Read in full what Hilary really said
With reference to Dave Ward's letter about Hilary Mantel ("Who is she to criticise Kate?", Mailbox, February 23) I would strongly advise that he reads the London Review of Books lecture in full to be able to appreciate her knowledgeable, witty and perceptive words which comment on the hardships of royal women rather than anything else.
Her criticism is of our behaviour towards them.
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criticism: Hilary Mantel's words on royal women came under fire
I also urge him to read the erudite Mercury Opinion of Wednesday, February 20 which is printed on the Mercury Mailbox pages and was headed "Mantel is not 'misguided'".
It skillfully paraphrases her 5,500-word lecture, quoting "we don't cut off the heads of royal ladies these days, but we do sacrifice them, and we did memorably drive one to destruction a scant generation ago".
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The opinion ended with the words: "Mantel's speech is frank and forthright, thought-provoking and challenging and that is exactly what we would expect from a writer of her calibre... it is well worth reading in full." I have to add that Hilary Mantel is always worth reading – her books and her articles are an inspiration an education and a joy.
Elspeth Allison, Fleckney.
Comments
by oldjohn
Friday, March 01 2013, 7:25AM
“I tried reading one of her books,several times.Just tosh. As interesting as having malaria.
But give the old bird her due,she did get her name in the press.”