"Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel

Tudor England. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is charged with securing his divorce. Into this atmosphere of distrust comes Thomas Cromwell - a man as ruthlessly ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages.(less) I read a review a year ago I think and decided to put a hold on the book at our library. It came just before Christmas and there went the season! I found it difficult to adjust to the writing insofar as knowing who was actually speaking at any one time. I was amazed at the poetic images she conjured that brought each scene to life. The writing went from descriptions of simplicity and humor to beautiful evocations of weather, flowers and costumes all done in an antique style reflective of the time. Just a magnificent tour de force. I've never read anything so beautifully realized.