And the Booker goes to . . .

Hilary Mantel

for Wolf Hall.  To be released on this side of the Atlantic a week from today, this hefty historical novel drew an enthusiastic review from BookPage’s Lauren Bufferd, who deemed it

a riveting portrait of Thomas Cromwell, chief advisor to King Henry VIII and a significant political figure in Tudor England. Mantel’s crystalline style, piercing eye and interest in, shall we say, the darker side of human nature, together with a real respect for historical accuracy, make this novel an engrossing, enveloping read.

Mantel was the favorite to win the prize amid a strong field of fellow finalists (A.S. Byatt, J.M. Coetzee, Adam Foulds, Simon Mawer, and Sarah Waters)—but the odds-on favorite hasn’t won the Booker since 2002 so this was something of a surprise. But we’re glad this talented novelist, who tries something new with every book, escaped the “Booker Curse” to come out ahead.

If you’re in the mood for a laugh, or interested in the other finalists (most of which have yet to be published here, alas), don’t miss Jim Crace’s Digested Read of all six books.

p.s. see more on our News item.