In "Ink in the Blood: A Hospital Diary," Hilary Mantel reflects on the somber experiences of patients in hospital wards, drawing a poignant connection to her own family history. She recalls how her great-aunts and uncles spent their final days in similar environments, emphasizing the somber atmosphere that permeates such places.

Mantel describes the actions of visitors who attempt to comfort patients by assuring them that they are in a supportive environment. The imagery of them wrapping and muffling themselves against the rain outside suggests a sense of isolation, yet the visitors’ words aim to convey a sense of safety and care, illustrating the complex emotions surrounding illness and mortality in a hospital setting.