This May, we will be discussing Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. Featured on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre, this novel explores the ruthless arena of King Henry VIII’s court where only one man dares to gamble his life to win the king’s favor and ascend to the heights of political power. England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. Thomas Cromwell is a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people and a demon of energy: he is also a consummate politician, hardened by his personal losses, implacable in his ambition. Hilary Mantel presents a picture of a half-made society on the cusp of change, where individuals fight or embrace their fate with passion and courage. Pick up a copy at our front desk. New members are always welcome.