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)

Heart Broken

I felt every emotion possible listening to this book. I was totally drawn in to this story and character. I loved the book.

Meh...

There are a lot of listeners who really love this book, but for me, not so much.
Alison Weir is a brilliant historian. I advise sticking to her non-fiction.
If you are familiar with the history of Lady Jane, you may find that this novelization gives no new insights into the major players. I found it very predictable.
Overall, the narration is solid. I had no trouble distinguishing the voices of the various characters. But I got very tired of hearing "Tu-tor" when my ears expected "Tu-dor"...that flaw pulled me out of the story every time...and considering the setting, that was VERY often.
Overall, good "brain-off" listening if you enjoy historical fiction set in this era.

Too long

The story was good but it could have been shorter. It would
have benefited from better editing.

Better read than listened to

I read another book by this author and loved it. However, listening to a book when you needed to know the genealogy was difficult. I found it hard to follow how the characters were related to each other. I have no other complaints and plan to read this in book form.

Great! Couldn't stop listening!

At first the switching around to different points of view annoyed me but I got really into it. This was one of those books you listen to constantly because it's so riveting.

Loved It

The story is excellent and the audio was incredible. I felt like I was watching a play because the readers did such a tremendous job. The 18 hours flew by.

Very entertaining

Any additional comments?

Even knowing the story of Lady Jane Gray, you hope it will end differently for her. I listened at work, I didn't want to put it down.

Superb!

Reading this book is like being transmitted back to Tudor times. The writing is unparalleled and the narration really captures the rich tapestry Weir weaves from her vast knowledge of the period. Do not expect a Hollywood rendition of Lady Jane's story. This is probably the closest we will get to the truth!

Great acting by the narrators

Loved it. I was really impressed with both the writing and acting. Truly a must listen for those who enjoy the Tudor era.

Historical fiction

This is a great historical fiction. I believe that it is written well. Takes some time to get the background story up but takes off nicely once established.