This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Wolf Hall

   

   The novel is a historical fiction set in the 1500s, during the reign of King Henry VIII. The story is told from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, a man of humble beginnings who rises to become the King's chief minister. The narrative explores the political and religious upheavals of the time, including King Henry's break with the Catholic Church and his controversial marriage to Anne Boleyn. The protagonist's cunning, ambition, and survival instincts are central to the plot as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Tudor court.

   The 397th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Bring Up the Bodies

   

   This historical novel continues the story of Thomas Cromwell, advisor to King Henry VIII of England. The narrative follows Cromwell's rise in power and the political machinations that lead to the downfall of Anne Boleyn. It showcases the manipulative and treacherous world of the Tudor court, where a single misstep can lead to disgrace and execution. Despite the danger, Cromwell manages to navigate the treacherous waters, using his intelligence and cunning to survive.

   The 2918th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Giving up the Ghost

   A Memoir

   

   "Giving up the Ghost" is a memoir that explores the author's life from her childhood in northern England, her struggles with chronic illness, to her journey as a successful writer. The book delves into her complex relationship with her parents, her experience with the supernatural, her struggle with endometriosis, and her exploration of her own identity. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the author's life, filled with introspection, humor, and resilience.

   The 5461st Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. A Place of Greater Safety

   

   This historical novel centers around the French Revolution and explores the lives and relationships of three of its key figures: Georges Danton, Maximilien Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins. The story delves into their political and personal struggles, their rise to power, and their eventual downfall. The novel provides a detailed and vivid account of the tumultuous period, highlighting the chaos, violence, and upheavals of the revolution, while also giving an intimate portrayal of the characters' lives, friendships, and rivalries.

   The 5701st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Beyond Black

   

   This novel delves into the life of Alison Hart, a medium who navigates the thin veil between the living and the dead with her unique psychic abilities. With her pragmatic assistant, Colette, Alison tours the dreary landscapes of suburban London, offering solace to the bereaved while grappling with her own tormented past. The narrative explores themes of memory, trauma, and redemption, as Alison confronts her own demons alongside those she communicates with from the beyond. Through a blend of dark humor and poignant moments, the story examines the complexities of the human spirit and the possibility of finding light in the darkest of places.

   The 9123rd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Mirror & The Light

   

   The novel concludes the trilogy chronicling the life of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of King Henry VIII. It explores Cromwell's rise to power following the execution of Anne Boleyn and his efforts to consolidate his influence amidst the volatile political landscape of Tudor England. As Cromwell navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, he faces challenges from rivals and the king's shifting moods, ultimately leading to his dramatic downfall. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the precarious nature of power, offering a richly detailed portrayal of a complex historical figure.

   The 10068th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. A Memoir Of My Former Self

   A Life in Writing

   

   This collection of essays offers a profound glimpse into the mind of a celebrated author, exploring the intricate tapestry of her life experiences, literary influences, and the evolution of her craft. Through a series of reflective and often candid narratives, the author delves into the complexities of identity, the nuances of memory, and the transformative power of storytelling. Each piece serves as a window into her world, revealing the personal and professional milestones that have shaped her journey as a writer, while also providing insightful commentary on the broader landscape of literature and culture.

   The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. 400 Knitting Stitches

   

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9. 9. Mantel Pieces

   Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the London Review of Books

   

   This collection of essays offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a celebrated author, showcasing her sharp wit, keen observations, and profound insights. Spanning several decades, these pieces cover a diverse range of topics, from the intricacies of historical fiction to the nuances of contemporary culture. With a blend of humor and intellect, the author reflects on her personal experiences, literary influences, and the ever-evolving landscape of the written word, inviting readers to explore the world through her unique lens.

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10. 10. Eight Months On Ghazzah Street

    

    Set in the 1980s, this gripping narrative follows Frances Shore, a British woman who relocates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with her husband, Andrew, for his engineering job. As Frances navigates the cultural and social complexities of her new environment, she becomes increasingly isolated and begins to suspect that something sinister is happening in her apartment building. Her curiosity leads her to uncover unsettling truths about the lives of those around her, revealing the stark contrasts between Western and Middle Eastern cultures and the oppressive nature of life in a society governed by strict religious laws.

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11. 11. The Assassination Of Margaret Thatcher And Other Stories

    

    This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of power, identity, and the unexpected intersections of ordinary lives with historical events. Each story is a masterful blend of dark humor and sharp observation, capturing moments of tension and revelation in the everyday. The narratives are rich with Mantel's signature wit and insight, offering a glimpse into the minds of characters grappling with their desires, fears, and the often-unseen forces that shape their destinies.

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12. 12. The Giant, O'brien

    

    A fictionalized, darkly comic and elegiac portrait of an 18th‑century Irish giant whose life is turned into spectacle and commodity: fleeing conscription, he arrives in London and becomes the object of fascination for showmen and an obsessive surgeon determined to claim his body for science. Told with intimacy and mordant wit, the story probes exploitation, friendship, bodily autonomy, and the uneasy moral trade‑offs of curiosity and ambition.

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13. 13. The Assassination Of Margaret Thatcher

    Stories

    

    A sharply observed collection of short stories that mixes dark humour and moral intensity to probe private lives caught up in public turmoil, offering richly drawn, sometimes unsettling portraits of ordinary and extraordinary people across decades; attentive to class, memory, aging and the aftermath of political violence, the pieces move from intimate domestic scenes to moments of historical consequence, all rendered in economical, often wry prose that interrogates power, regret and survival.

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