Paul KC

The Solti Lohengrin is a beautiful recording. Domingo sings like a dream, as does Jessye Norman. This recording is warmer and richer in sound than the Kempe recording.

Mantel writes so well. Her novel is never less than interesting. However, the first two in the trilogy of novels have the dynamic of a man on a meteoric rise. They also focus on Cromwell's central role in Anne Boleyn's brief days in the sun and her fall and demise. The Mirror and the Light continues Cromwell's part in Henry VIII's regime but is far more rambling. It is the longest of the novels and ends in tragedy as Cromwell is destroyed by the despotic King Henry. The novel is entertaining but is more defuse and rambling in the life and events that led to Thomas Cromwell's violent end.