Hilary Mantel is a name that is synonymous with literary brilliance. Her words have the power to transport readers to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions. She is the first woman to win the prestigious Booker Prize twice, once for “Wolf Hall” and again for its sequel “Bring Up the Bodies”. However, Mantel’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated writers of our time has been far from easy.
Born in Hadfield, Derbyshire in 1952, Mantel was the eldest of three children. Her father was a Catholic and her mother an Anglican, which exposed Mantel to different beliefs and ways of thinking from a young age. Growing up, she struggled with a speech impediment and was often bullied by her peers, leading her to turn to books for escape and solace.
Mantel’s love for literature continued to grow, and she went on to study law at the London School of Economics. However, after a few months, she dropped out, feeling that she was not suited for a career in law. She then went on to work as a social worker, but her passion for writing never left her.
In her early 20s, Mantel wrote her first novel, “The Beautiful Room is Empty,” while living in Botswana with her husband. However, after numerous rejections from publishers, she put writing on hold and focused on raising her family. It was not until her 30s that she returned to writing, and in 1985, her first published novel, “Every Day is Mother’s Day,” hit the shelves.
Despite positive reviews, Mantel’s career did not take off until the publication of “Wolf Hall” in 2009. The historical novel, set in the court of King Henry VIII, received widespread critical acclaim and catapulted Mantel to literary stardom. The book went on to win the Booker Prize, making Mantel the first woman and the first British author to win the award twice.
Mantel’s success continued with the release of the sequel, “Bring Up the Bodies,” which also won the Booker Prize in 2012. The two books have since been adapted into a successful mini-series by the BBC, further cementing Mantel’s status as a literary icon.
What makes Mantel’s writing stand out is her unparalleled ability to bring history to life and give a voice to characters who have long been silenced. She takes well-known figures from history, such as Thomas Cromwell in “Wolf Hall,” and gives them a human and relatable quality that resonates with readers.
It is also worth noting that Mantel’s success has not come without its fair share of criticism and backlash. Her depiction of historical figures has been met with controversy, with some accusing her of taking artistic liberties and others praising her for shedding light on lesser-known aspects of their lives. However, Mantel remains unapologetic, standing by her vision and fiercely defending her work.
Aside from her writing, Mantel is also known for her candid and insightful interviews. She has been open about her struggles with endometriosis, a condition she has battled most of her life and has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Despite these challenges, Mantel continues to write and inspire readers with her words.
In conclusion, Hilary Mantel’s journey to becoming a literary sensation is one of perseverance, determination, and resilience. She has overcome personal hurdles and faced criticism head-on, staying true to her creative vision. With her latest book, “The Mirror and the Light,” set to be released in 2020, the world eagerly awaits to join Mantel on another fascinating journey through history.