This book is now on my list of favorite historical fiction. I love the way Mantel describes Cromwell's thought processes, and I have to admit, I LOVE the curses : "Oh, by the bleached bones of Becket." That's great writing, there. I read a review somewhere that said this book would be confusing to Americans, as we're all basically illiterate and ignorant (okay, that last part wasn't in the review, but it was inferred), but I think whether or not your knowledge of the Reformation and British royal bloodlines is up to par is somewhat irrelevant. This book was simply an amazing retelling of a pivotal moment in British history. Amazing stuff.