Hilary Mantel is a name that has become synonymous with literary excellence and historical fiction. Her works have captivated readers around the world, earning her prestigious awards such as the Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. But what sets Mantel apart from other writers is her ability to bring history to life through her carefully crafted biographies. In this article, we will delve into the making of a literary masterpiece – Hilary Mantel’s biography.

Mantel’s interest in writing historical fiction and biographies can be traced back to her childhood. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in Hadfield, England, she was surrounded by rich history and stories of the past. Her father, a clever storyteller, would often take her for walks and share tales of the Tudor era, sparking her fascination with history. She also credits her Catholic upbringing for her love for the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas that arise from it, which can be seen in her writing.

Mantel’s journey to becoming a literary master began with her education. She studied law at the London School of Economics, which not only provided her with a strong foundation in research and critical thinking but also exposed her to the workings of the legal system – a key component in many of her books. After graduating, she worked as a social worker, but her passion for writing continued to burn. In her late 20s, she started writing her first novel, “Every Day is Mother’s Day,” a darkly comic look at dysfunctional families.

It was not until 2009 that Mantel truly made her mark on the literary scene with her novel, “Wolf Hall.” This book, part of a planned trilogy, tells the story of Thomas Cromwell, who rose from a humble background to become one of the most powerful men in England under King Henry VIII’s reign. “Wolf Hall” was a literary sensation, winning the Man Booker Prize and bringing Mantel’s writing to a wider audience. It also cemented her reputation as a master of historical fiction and a gifted biographer.

Mantel’s writing process for her biographies is meticulous and immersive. She believes in “living in the material” and spends years researching her subjects and the time period. She delves into primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and official documents, to understand her characters and their motivations. For her Cromwell trilogy, she read over 1000 books and spent hours at archives and historical sites, even learning ancient forms of cooking and sewing to better understand the daily life of that era. This dedication to research is what makes her books so rich in detail and historical accuracy.

However, Mantel’s expertise is not just in historical research but also in character development. She paints her subjects with empathy, portraying them as complex and flawed individuals rather than one-dimensional historical figures. This is evident in her portrayal of Thomas Cromwell, who has traditionally been depicted as a ruthless and power-hungry figure in history. Mantel’s Cromwell is a nuanced and sympathetic character, making readers question their preconceived notions of him.

In addition to her meticulous research and character development, Mantel’s writing style is also a key component in the making of her literary masterpieces. She employs a singular narrative voice, using the third-person present tense, which creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the characters and their experiences. This style has been praised for its ability to transport readers back in time and make them feel as though they are living alongside the characters.

In conclusion, Hilary Mantel’s biographies are a result of a lifetime of fascination with history, a rigorous education, and a meticulous writing process. Her ability to bring the past to life, not just through accurate historical details, but also through compelling characters and a unique writing style, has earned her a place among the literary greats. She continues to inspire readers and writers alike with her unparalleled skill in weaving fact and fiction together to create literary masterpieces.