A Place Of Greater Safety Hilary Mantel

Ever heard of Hilary Mantel? No, she's not the latest Marvel superhero, but she's just as fascinating. Let's dive into the world of this brilliant, quirky, and sometimes controversial author.

Who's Hilary Mantel?

First things first, Hilary's not your typical stuffy, academic writer. Born in 1952 in Derbyshire, she grew up in a working-class family, which she later described as "poor but cheerful." She's a self-proclaimed "tomboy" who loved playing with her brothers and wasn't one for dolls and tea parties.

She studied law at the London School of Economics, but it was her love for history and storytelling that led her to become a writer. And boy, are we glad she did!

Her Big Break

Mantel's first novel, "Every Day Is Mother's Day," was published in 1985. It's a dark comedy about a dysfunctional family, and it was a hit! But it was her second novel, "A Place of Greater Safety," that really put her on the literary map.

"A Place of Greater Safety" is a historical novel set during the French Revolution. It's not your typical historical fiction, though. Mantel takes a unique approach, telling the story from the perspectives of three key figures - Robespierre, Danton, and Camille Desmoulins. No stuffy, dry narrative here - it's full of drama, passion, and intrigue.

Why We Love Hilary

Mantel's not afraid to ruffle feathers. She's known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude. In 2012, she caused a stir at the Royal Society of Literature when she gave a speech that was, well, let's just say it wasn't very flattering to some of her fellow writers. But that's Hilary for you - always keeping things interesting!

‎A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel on Apple Books

She's also a master of the historical novel. Her "Wolf Hall" trilogy, which focuses on Thomas Cromwell during the reign of Henry VIII, is a tour de force. She brings history to life in a way that's engaging, accessible, and often surprising.

Fun Facts

Did you know Mantel was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 19? She's been open about her struggles with the condition and how it's influenced her writing. She once said, "I've always written about people who are in some kind of pain, and I think that comes from my own experience."

She's also a bit of a history buff. She once said she'd love to have dinner with Thomas Cromwell. When asked why, she replied, "Because he was a fascinating man, and I'd like to know what he thought about everything." Now that's our kind of dinner party!

A Place of Greater Safety (author-signed card) by MANTEL, Hilary

And here's a fun one - Mantel's not a fan of social media. She once said she doesn't have a Twitter account because she's "not a fan of being shouted at by strangers." We can relate, Hilary. We can relate.

Why You Should Read Her

Mantel's writing is intelligent, engaging, and often provocative. She brings history to life in a way that's accessible and exciting. She's not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and stir up a bit of controversy. In short, she's a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stuffy world of literature.

So, if you're looking for a writer who's smart, funny, and a little bit mischievous, give Hilary Mantel a try. You won't be disappointed.