Read: Hilary Mantel - Wolf Hall

Hmm. This historical fiction had a bit of an odd plot device. It tells the interesting story of Henry VIII and his divorce of his first wife in order to marry Anne Boleyn, and did a great job of making me appreciate what a difficult and momentous event that was. But it told it from the viewpoint of a commoner, Thomas Cromwell, who ultimately became the king's trusted advisor. Which would be all well and good if the author didn't keep hinting at Thomas' past adventures in other countries which led to giving him the skills to rise far above his station - all of which seemed to be the more unique and intriguing story. A rather frustrating flaw, which in my opinion should have ruled it out from winning the Man Booker Prize, although it's a decent novel otherwise.