In this reversal, Mantel followed a novelistic tradition that includes, memorably, Josephine Tey's Sainted Thomas More was offered as a hypocrite, a zealot and even a sadist, whereas the usually maligned Cromwell, was our thoughtful, hard-edged, but well-meaning viewpoint character, damaged by but stronger because of a vicious father (a character entirely invented). The first book was very much about reversing the judgment of history. There were elements of gilding the lily as she flashed her version of his brilliance and foresight at court, along with his benign hand at home with family and protégés. Mantel clearly wanted to offer an alternative to the customary image of Cromwell as a villain of those dark days.
Wolf Hall was a broader, significantly more agenda-driven work.
One major thread, involving the targeting of courtiers accused of adultery with Anne, ties closely (and perhaps too neatly) to Cromwell's personal revenge for their mockery of his late patron and mentor, Cardinal Wolsey.
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