‘The Mirror and the Light’ by Hilary Mantel

My Review (5 stars out of 5)

England, May 1536. Following the execution of Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell continues his climb to power and wealth, while Henry VIII settles into a brief marriage with Jane Seymour. Cromwell strives to keep his head unparted from his body, dealing with threats of invasion, plots against himself and the king, and keeping one step ahead of his enemies, particularly the spiteful Stephen Gardiner, and the Duke of Norfolk.

This is the third book in the trilogy, and charts the final years of Thomas Cromwell, as he rises from Master Secretary to Lord Privy Seal and then to Vicegerent in Spirituals. Coming in at well over 800 pages, it’s a substantial tome, but the author’s writing style effortlessly draws us in, her engaging dialogue making her characters leap off the page. As always, the attention to detail adds much to the story, though such detail is never heavy-handed or dull, and only enriches our enjoyment of the book. Ms Mantel’s humour, too, is a delight as, amid political shenanigans, her hero snaps at his competitors with witty one-liners and cutting jibes. As Cromwell’s enemies plot his downfall, the tension builds towards an exciting and terrible finale.

A thrilling and completely absorbing read.

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