The Mirror and the Light is the final installment of the Wolf Hall Trilogy. Hilary Mantel has accomplished something awesome with these books. They are richly written and impressively intricate. Yes, there are many characters, and the politics and danger surrounding King Henry VIII's reign are complicated. This, for me, was not a quick, easy read. I did not expect it to be. I love the writing and always found myself sympathizing with Thomas Cromwell, a man who carried out some evil orders for his king (though he always tried to show mercy). Mantel creates a multi-layered character for Cromwell, along with a rough, sad background. This final piece of the trilogy offers an even deeper introspective mood for him than is previously shown.

Since this is very much based on fact, there are no plot spoilers, here. We know how Thomas Cromwell's life ends, and must but marvel at the mindset of those who lived and worked in the king's sphere. Cromwell was walking a perpetual tightrope, until the end. This is a challenging, rewarding read and I plan to read more by this author.