The Mirror and the Light: a third magnificent foray into Cromwell’s heart of darkness

Hilary Mantel masterfully builds tension in the conclusion of her acclaimed historical trilogy

Hilary Mantel: under no illusions that Thomas Cromwell is a purely noble hero Picture: BBC

FICTION

The Mirror and the Light

By Hilary Mantel

Fourth Estate

At last, here it is – 11 years after Wolf Hall, eight after Bring Up The Bodies, Hilary Mantel has concluded her magnificent trilogy telling the story of Thomas Cromwell. The Mirror and the Light begins just where the last book ended – the shocking execution of Anne Boleyn – and ends, well, you probably know where. One of Mantel’s greatest gifts is the ...