Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Thomas Cromwell, a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. This final installment in the Wolf Hall trilogy has been highly anticipated since its release in 2020. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s take a closer look.
Mantel’s writing style is consistent with her other two works in this series. She captures the essence of Tudor-era England and its courtly intrigues with vivid detail, allowing readers to really feel like they are living in that time period. In particular, she does an excellent job of depicting Cromwell’s inner struggles—his ambition, his loyalty to his king, and his conflicting feelings about religion—in a way that makes him both sympathetic and understandable.
Mantel’s characters are complex and nuanced. They have flaws and moments of triumph, which makes them all the more relatable to readers. In addition, Mantel expertly weaves in historical details throughout her narrative while still allowing readers to make their own interpretations of events. This allows for an immersive reading experience that feels both educational and entertaining.
The king believes that even if he were not king, he would still be a great man. This is because God likes him. He needs to be liked and he needs to be right. But above all he needs to be listened to, with very close attention. Never enter a contest of wills with the king. Do not flatter him. Instead, give him something he can take credit for. Ask him questions to which you know the answers. Do not ask him the other sort of question.
The narrative arc of The Mirror and the Light is complex yet interesting. It follows Cromwell from his rise to power as one of the most influential figures of Henry VIII’s court through his eventual downfall and execution. Along the way, he must navigate treacherous political waters while dealing with personal issues such as marriage troubles and religious conflicts. While some readers may find this story slow-moving at times, it ultimately builds to an intense climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat until its bittersweet conclusion.
Overall, The Mirror and the Light succeeds in bringing Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall saga to a satisfying close while also standing out as a unique work in its own right. Mantel’s writing style is captivating and her depiction of 16th century England is vivid enough for readers to truly get lost in this world. If you’re looking for an epic tale about power struggles, ambition, loyalty, love, religion, and more set against a backdrop of Tudor-era England then The Mirror and the Light is definitely worth picking up.
AWARDS
Walter Scot Prize for historical fiction, 2021
First Edition:
Author: Hilary Mantel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Fourth Estate (UK)
Publication date: March 5, 2020
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