A Memoir of My Former Self

A Memoir of My Former Self by Hilary Mantel is an extraordinary compilation that brings together the finest of her non-fiction work from over four decades. This masterful collection delves deep into the mind of one of the most celebrated English novelists of the last half-century, unspooling stories from her own life and illuminating the world with her brilliant observations.

The book is an eclectic mix of essays that cover a wide range of subjects, blending personal anecdotes with profound reflections. Mantel discusses the concept of nationalism and her own sense of belonging, explores the enigmatic nature of our dreams, and dissects the mythic legacy of Princess Diana. Readers are privy to the rich tapestry of themes that inspired her novels, including revolutionary France, mysticism, and the intricate politics of Tudor England.

With stunning prose, Mantel shares intimate portraits of her family life, revealing her complex relationship with her father and the man who replaced him. She writes fiercely about her health battles and the challenging years she spent in Saudi Arabia, offering readers a window into her resilience and the source of her indomitable spirit.

In addition to personal essays, A Memoir of My Former Self includes a selection of her film reviews, ranging from the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally to the science fiction classic RoboCop. For the first time, the book also features her captivating Reith Lectures, which explore the intricate process of art bringing history and the dead back to life.

This magnificent final book showcases Mantel's incomparable wit, luminous writing, and unparalleled insight into the human condition. From her unique childhood to her all-consuming fascination with Thomas Cromwell, which culminated in the acclaimed Wolf Hall Trilogy, the collection reveals the shape of her life and thoughts in her own dazzling words, capturing 'messages from people I used to be.'

Compelling, often very funny, and always illuminating, A Memoir of My Former Self is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand Hilary Mantel's legacy and the literary brilliance that cemented her place among the greatest writers of our time.

'A guide to the mind of one of the great English novelists of the last half-century' - Guardian

'Like hearing the voice of an old friend' - Observer

'Extraordinary . . . a quality of timelessness and prescience' - New Statesman, Book of the Year

'Magical . . . Here we meet not just Mantel the Cromwell-catcher, but Mantel the quill-sharp critic of contemporary life' - The Times, Book of the Year

'A smart, deft, meticulous, thoughtful writer, with such a grasp of the dark and spidery corners of human nature' - Margaret Atwood

'Mantel was a queen of literature . . . her reign was long, varied and uncontested' - Maggie O'Farrell