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)

More Tudor time

Moment by moment details sound like a suspense novel come alive. Makes history exciting. Scary times those!

Excellent narration, solid 3.5 stars

This book tells the story of Jane Dudley, a pious young woman who joined the ranks of the ill-fated queens of England. Amazing voice talent - Davina Porter, Bianca Amato, etc., all in 1 book. The multiple narrators were unnecessary, but enjoyable.

This is above-average historical fiction. The history is strong (as it should be, since Weir is a historian). The characterization is good, although it greatly helps to know the names of the people and families involved. If you don't have much background, you may want to skim Wikipedia so you get an idea of who's who. It helps to ground you in the story. A lot of characters have the same names - Catherine, Mary, and so forth.

If you enjoy this, I think you'll love The Autobiography of Henry the XVIII by Margaret George. It's probably the best book I've read about the early Tudor dynasty. It works well in audio bc it uses the same 1st person "memoir" format as Innocent Traitor, except it only uses 1 viewpoint character whereas Innocent Traitor changes viewpoints.

i do not regret having read this

maybe other people will feel the same way as I do about reading this book

Excellent!

Perfect performance of a sad tale. The author brings to life the facts of history in a manner that leaves one haunted at the the cruelties life can bring to those who least deserve it. A great listen!

Well performed interesting story.

Interesting story with a lot of history. The narrators were outstanding! I gave it a lower score because of the overly descriptive bedroom scenes which were totally unnecessary. It seemed like the author was always trying to incorporate sexual situations and thoughts into the story. Sorry, that's not for me.

Incredible testimony of Jane Grey

I have seen the movie of the story but I've never heard it in such a detail like this book. Absolutely incredible storytelling just like all of her other books I've read. The strength and Faith of this young girl despite all that happened to her in her life is astounding. I can't wait to get the rest of her books

Very enjoyable and interesting!

I had never heard the story about Jane Grey and her reign of only nine days. I enjoyed this book and her story. I admire Jane Grey for the strength of her religious beliefs even though the Queen and others tried to get her to convert to Catholicism.

Very well done production

A great story - vivid and with empathy for Lady Jane. Excellent narration and details give the reader a cinematic vision for a story worth the time.

A Excellent Look at "the Nine Day Queen"

I was fascinated with Lady Jane Grey and loved the history mixed with the "it might have happened this way" feeling I got from listening to this book. The various voices of the cast brought the story to life, and even though I knew how it was going to end, I couldn't bear for it to end, and I was nearly in tears. This whole era of history is so fascinating, and Ms. Weir really brought it to life for me.

lady Jane Grey didn't have a chance

Would you consider the audio edition of Innocent Traitor to be better than the print version?

I had both so I cannot relate to this question .

What did you like best about this story?

The overall story is so sad and unfair for Lady Jane she had just as much right to the throne as Mary but didn't have backing.To be Queen for nine days and then be beheaded and have no say in your own destiny.that whole period was so brutal it must have been a very stressful time to live as a normal person but safer as far as keeping your head.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

All three performers are very good and professional.they live their parts

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As lady jane was preparing to go to her death she was so calm and peaceful
At such a young age .

Any additional comments?

This has been one of my favorite books this year I was new to this period of British history and I was really shocked at the level of violence and intrigue.this info is so addictive.I loved this book