Innocent Traitor

A Novel of Lady Jane Grey

By: Alison Weir

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen, Davina Porter, Bianca Amato

Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Alison Weir has earned her reputation as the preeminent historian of British royalty. Now with Innocent Traitor, Weir utilizes her vast knowledge and captivating narrative style to craft her first historical novel, choosing Lady Jane Grey, the most sympathetic heroine of Tudor England, as her enthralling subject.

The child of a scheming father and ruthless mother, Jane is born during a time when ambition dictates action. Cousin to Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, she is merely a pawn in a political and religious game in which one false step means a certain demise. But Lady Jane has remarkable qualities that help her to withstand the constant pressures of the royal machinery far better than most expect.

Weir's striking novel sweeps readers back through the centuries to witness firsthand one of the most poignant tales from a time of constant scheming and power brokering.

©2007 Alison Weir (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Weir proves herself deft as ever." (Publishers Weekly)
"Complex yet completely absorbing....A brilliantly vivid and psychologically astute novel." (Booklist)

Love this book!

Listening to a book is the best thing that has ever happened. I can go walking and listen to a book. It is the best of both worlds.
This writer of this book was so passionate and concise. It was a sad ending for a innocent soul. She was betrayed by the two people who were suppose to protect her. I am just curious to know as to what happened to Mrs. Ellen and Frances Brandon after the beheading of Jane Grey Dudley.

first person from multiple charactors

I liked the idea of first person from multiple charactors. I have not experienced that before and I have read many books. this was a well told story.

Good listen

My only complaint is the abrupt end and start between chapters. The pause is forgotten.

Captivating story

The story was excellent and tragic. my only complaint was the abrupt changes from one character to the next.

The story was good but the narration was borderline unbearable

I really enjoyed this story which is the only reason that I even finished this book. At least two of the narrators constantly made mouth noises that should have been edited out. I could hear them opening and closing their mouths, swallowing and I swear at one point, one of them let out a burp/hiccup. Whoever produced and edited this set the narrators up for failure.

Stunning!

I have nothing new to add to the previous comments, but I feel like I must weigh in on this book. I try to ration out my 2 books a month so that they last the whole month, but I literally could not stop listening to this one, and finished it in 2 days. I have enjoyed many audible books, but this one presented a richness and depth that is unsurpassed. The narrators were top-notch all the way through. This recorded book is an amazing achievement by everyone who had a hand in it.

I really enjoyed this book

This book is very well written and the readers were excellent. I was sorry when it ended.

Lady Jane comes to life.

I very much enjoyed this story. I've always been sympathetic towards the Lady Jane. Weir tells the story through the voices of each player convincingly with the possible exception of Jane as a small child, who speaks with wisdom beyond her years. This shouldn't put you off from the book, however, as it is such a small section and really innocuous. The story itself is a complicated one and the telling from each point of view gives it a lucidity I've not encountered in other tellings.

Lady Jane Grey

This book was an excellent listen. The narrators are all my favorites that bring this tragic story to life. I found it amazing that she was such an intellectual at a very young age. The story moves smoothly and is engaging. I highly recommend it. Any historical fiction that inspires one to read more non-fiction about the era is worth my time - this did.

Interesting history, not-so-great novel

Any additional comments?

The history here is interesting, but as a novelization, this fell flat for me. The revolving first-person narration is clunky, with characters constantly declaring their schemes and motives directly to the reader.