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)

Main character was not likable

I really enjoy historical fiction, especially 16th century England. But I found the character of Jane Grey to be unsympathetic. I think I may have liked her character more if her intellectual achievements had been better highlighted in the book (they were just alluded to).

Audible treat

This book was pure delight to listen to. The story is well written and extremely well narrated. The characters and time period seem to come to life. I was completely drawn into the story of Lady Jane and her sad life in the English court. Well done.

Fantastic book, horrible audio editing.

Transition between point of view readers was not paced correctly and was repeatedly jarring. Chapter 5 or 6 about an hour in, the book's title and who-plays-who repeated for some eeason.

Compelling tale of historical events

What made the experience of listening to Innocent Traitor the most enjoyable?

I like the way the story was told in chronological order from each charicter's perspective.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The readers bring the story to life with emotion, you truly feel the words they are saying.

Who was the most memorable character of Innocent Traitor and why?

Lady Jane Grey was by far my favorite character because of how she dealt with events in her life with courage and intelligence.

Paints history with colour

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, for those who were wondering what could have been going through Lady Jane's head while she still had it, it is a very sensitive, insightful portrayal.

What did you like best about this story?

The performances.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

From a Southerner, reared in suburban Charlotte, I have to force my brain to not hear written characters speak in a Southern American accent, so it flows much better to hear the characters in a British accent. (Of course, public-school British came about some three centuries after the story takes place, but you get my drift.)

If you could rename Innocent Traitor, what would you call it?

"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! SAID THE QUEEN OF BLOODY HEARTS"sung to the tune of "Put your Head on my Shoulder"

Heartwrenching, insightful piece of literature

Excellentlyl written and narrated. This fictional historic work gifts you with becoming a part of each character and understanding of the power and dysfunction of the British monarchy. Prompted me to do more research after reading this book--Jane then NIne Day Queen versus "Bloody" Queen Mary.

**LOVED IT**

What did you love best about Innocent Traitor?

I couldn’t stop listening.. and when i wasn’t listening I was thinking about it. I really was intrigued with this little lady Jane. It kept blowing me away to realize how young she was, and how tragic her short life was.
This isn’t the usual mystery that I read, but I think I will look for more

What aspect of the narrators’s performance would you have changed?

I would have suggested that she have more water handy.. some of her throat gurglings.. were a little distracting.

Lady Grey is a fascinating character

Would you listen to Innocent Traitor again? Why?

I will probably listen to this book again next summer. It is not only enjoyable and the details are fascinating, but it also gives a sense of life from a very different view.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Innocent Traitor?

When Lady Jane realizes she is queen and has the power to rule over her husband's actions, it is thrilling to see the light dawning. That is surely the moment for which many women of that day would envy a queen, more than al the luxuries and riches of nobility..

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Lady Jane was the most developed character and her strong personality and intelligent grasp of events taking place around her and to her was a pleasure throughout the book.

Who was the most memorable character of Innocent Traitor and why?

Lady Jane was who I remember most clearly although her mother and nurse are close seconds. The relationship between the three was timeless and very touching as well as causing incredulity at the plight of children in those times.

Any additional comments?

This book is a great read as well as being filled with a glimpse into another world. Anyone who likes historical fiction would most likely enjoy this book. The reader is fantastic and makes it a complete winner. I couldn't stop listening.

Great story, weird editing

I enjoyed the story and like having different voices. But the editing was weird - sometimes there were stretched of silence that McAfee me think the story stored playing, and other tints the editing between voices was so tight that there was barely a second between one chapter and the next. It was distracting to the listening experience, unfortunately. Bit I like Alison Weir's historical works and did enjoy this very much overall.

Enjoyable listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this audiobook. It is enjoyable and entertaining.

What other book might you compare Innocent Traitor to and why?

Any by Allison Weir or Phillipa Gregory. They are all based on actual people from English history.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The narrators used inflection and emotion to tell the stor.