Hilary Mantel wins the Booker Prize –again. Bring Up The Bodies once again illuminates the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of his right hand man, Thomas Cromwell.

It takes off where Wolf Hall (which won the Booker in 2009) left off, this time focusing on the downfall of Anne Boleyn throughout her arrest, trial and execution. In an interview after winning she explained that in writing the novel she was trying to find key moments, “turning points where history could have been different”.

According to The Telegraph, ‘[Mantel’s] first historical novel was turned down by a string of publishers who said her work was too weighty for readers who preferred “chick lit in long frocks”.’

Ignoring the advice and continuing to write ‘weighty fiction’, she’s now the first female and first Briton to win the prize twice, with the book being the first sequel to win the £50,000 award.

If you’re still not convinced that the book should shoot straight to the top of your reading list you can watch this short video made as part of the Guardian’s Booker Prize Hustings where Paul Laity explains why he thought Bring Up The Bodies should win the award.

Mantel will now turn her attention to the third book in the series, The Mirror and the Light. No pressure there, then.

The Apple Store on Regent Street in London have just announced a free event today, Thursday 18th October at 7pm where Hilary Mantel will be reading from and discussing the winning book with broadcaster Mariella Frostrup. No ticket necessary, but turn up early to make sure you get a seat.

Have you read Bring Up The Bodies? Let us know what you think. And which elements of the historical narrative do you think The Mirror and the Light might focus on?

Photo: Janie Airey