The House of Cromwell: Britain's Forgotten Dynasty Book Review and Summary
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Chloé Laurent - 23 Aug, 2026 20:56
Author: Miranda Malins
Page Count: Unknown
Publication Date: Expected publication 2026-12-08 APL
The House of Cromwell: Britain’s Forgotten Dynasty. A book that promises to deliver an extraordinary journey through two centuries of British history, and yet, the synopsis reads like a rather predictable — if not exactly formulaic — family saga. Two powerful men, Thomas and Oliver Cromwell, rise from humble beginnings to shape the course of British history. Explosive family dynamics, power struggles, and overlooked voices from the past — particularly those of the Cromwell women. It’s all here, but does it feel a bit… familiar?
We’ve seen this story before, haven’t we? The meteoric rise of a commoner, the cutthroat world of politics, the women behind the men. It’s a tale as old as time, and yet, I’m not convinced that Miranda Malins brings anything particularly new to the table. The Wars of the Roses to the accession of the Hanoverians is a sweeping narrative arc, to be sure, but what sets this book apart from, say, Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall series? Where’s the innovation? The surprise?
And then there’s the matter of the Cromwell women. I’m intrigued by the promise of “overlooked voices from the past,” but how will Malins bring these women to life? Will they be more than just footnotes in the grand narrative of Thomas and Oliver’s rise to power? Or will they be relegated to the sidelines, their stories mere whispers in the wind? The synopsis is frustratingly vague on this point, leaving me to wonder if Malins will truly deliver on her promise to give these women their due.
But, I must admit, the prospect of a “complete history of the most unique, disruptive, creative and controversial family to rule Britain” is tantalizing. It’s a bit like the promise of a sprawling, 19th-century Russian novel — think Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Will Malins deliver a similarly epic, sprawling narrative, or will The House of Cromwell feel more like a dry, academic treatise?
I’m reminded of the infamous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist, where thieves made off with millions of dollars’ worth of art, only to leave behind a cryptic message: “The art is in the heist.” In this case, the art is in the execution. Can Malins pull off a narrative that’s both sweeping and intimate, both historically accurate and compulsively readable? Or will The House of Cromwell feel like a lesser imitation of better books?
And yet, despite my reservations, I find myself drawn to this book. Perhaps it’s the promise of a fresh perspective on a well-worn topic, or perhaps it’s the allure of a good family drama. Whatever the reason, I’ll be keeping a close eye on The House of Cromwell.
But, for now, I have more pressing concerns. I need to approve the final guest list for our publisher’s summer soirée. It’s going to be a long night… #Cromwell #BritishHistory #Dynasty #TheHouseOfCromwell
