59 pages • 1 hour read
Hilary MantelThe Mirror and the Light
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.