Richard Bourne-Vanneck

The prose is brilliant; often stunningly so. The plotting is steady and effective, even when we know the ultimate outcomes. Particularly effective is the author’s use of interior retrospective to draw out Cromwell’s past life. The book is a jewel and a worthy final installment of the trilogy. My criticism is largely on the decision to bestow heroic status on Cromwell. Unlike the first two books, this Cromwell is seen as a man deeply concerned with self enrichment and the garnering of prestige. His avid pursuit of personal wealth was also accompanied by pragmatic indifference at the grasping of wealth by favored others as the religious houses were brought down. The work of the Master of Augmentation under Cromwell’s direction led to significant increase in rural poverty in England as the Church lands were given to favored nobles. This, of course, is historical fact; as is Cromwell’s primary role in the process. So, while he can be seen as a tragic hero in the sense that he was undone by men even more craven, venal and self-serving. He is not a tragic hero in the traditional sense. However, I suspect others may disagree with this analysis and that the author is one. No matter.