Book Review: The Mirror & The Light

[Eric]

Epic! The third and final installment in the author's Thomas Cromwell trilogy. The first two each won the Booker Prize, and the third was nominated but did not win. My only critique is the author potentially included too much detail in the final book; it took me six months of on & off intense reading to finish.

While the first two books tell the story of Thomas' rise from humble beginnings to become the most powerful man in England (after the King), "The Mirror and the Light" tells of his fall. In doing, the author paints a vivid portrait of post Reformation England - the tension b/t the King and the former noble families, many of whom remain papists; the scheming with and against the French; the efforts to democratize religion and solidify the break with the Catholic Church by publishing the Bible in English; and the burdens of being the King.

Similar to the first two books, Mirror has great writing and incredible detail and history. All the books also share "Game of Thrones" like scheming for power and alliances -- "undertake no course without deep thought: but learn to think very fast.” Once Jane Seymour gives birth to the King's heir, the novel moves away from the inner workings of the Court and focuses more on geopolitics and religion; and finding Henry a new bride.

4.5 stars rounded up. Recommended read.