The Mirror and the Light

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Shortlisted for The Women's Prize for Fiction 2020, this long-awaited sequel concludes Hilary Mantel's acclaimed trilogy. Set in England, May 1536, the narrative opens with the swift execution of Anne Boleyn, while Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith's son, navigates the treacherous waters of power. As he enjoys breakfast with the victors, Cromwell's ascent continues amidst a backdrop of rebellion, treachery, and the looming threat of invasion that tests Henry VIII's regime. Lacking family support or a private army, Cromwell relies solely on his wits to envision a new future for the nation. The story poses profound questions about the past's grip on the present, as the Spanish ambassador warns Cromwell of the inevitable betrayal that awaits those close to the king. Mantel masterfully captures the final years of Cromwell's life, portraying the fierce struggle between the aspirations of a common man and the royal desires that shape the nation. This concluding volume offers a rich exploration of ambition, conflict, and the complexities of identity, bringing to life the tumultuous era of Tudor England with depth and insight.