59 pages • 1 hour read
The Mirror and the Light
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Book Brief
757
Novel • Fiction
England • 1530s
2020
Picador
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mirror and the Light follows Thomas Cromwell as he navigates the tumultuous political landscape following the execution of Anne Boleyn, grappling with treacherous court politics, rebellion, and King Henry VIII's fluctuating affections and health. Amidst power struggles and a fragile succession, Cromwell's loyalty and ambition lead to his ultimate downfall and execution. Depicts graphic executions and violence.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
63,498 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light, reviewers praise her masterful prose and detailed historical research, seamlessly concluding the Thomas Cromwell trilogy. The dense narrative and slow pacing, however, receive mixed reactions. While some find these elements enrich the story, others feel they impede the novel's momentum. A fitting end to a celebrated series.
Who Should Read The Mirror and the Light?
Readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction with complex characters will love The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel. Fans of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies will appreciate this concluding book in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, reminiscent of the depth found in works like A Place of Greater Safety.
63,498 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII
Known for his formidable presence, King Henry VIII is portrayed as a complex figure—bold in leadership but plagued by personal doubts. He is deeply concerned with maintaining his power and securing a male heir.
Lady Mary
Lady Mary
The daughter of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, Lady Mary remains a significant, albeit contentious, figure at court due to her staunch Catholic beliefs and her potential claim to the throne.
Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour
Portrayed as the modest and demure third wife of King Henry VIII, Jane Seymour navigates her role as queen with a quiet shrewdness, managing to capture the king's favor with her poise and deference.
757
Novel • Fiction
England • 1530s
2020
Picador
Adult
18+ years
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