Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir

Posted by Lorri Brown Jun 28, 2007

Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir is a must read for anyone interested in the drama and scandal of the Tudor dynasty.

Alison Weir has long been one of the historians of British history. Her books include The Six Wives of Henry VIII and The Children of England, along with several others. In Innocent Traitor, Weir delves into the world of historical fiction. Her voice as a storyteller is superb. Similar to Philippa Gregory, but retaining her own style, Weir spins a tale of intrigue and scandal that surround the last days of Henry VIII and the brief reign of his heir, Edward VI.

At the center of the story is Lady Jane Grey, daughter of Frances Brandon and the Henry Grey, Marquis of Dorset. Jane grows up in with overly strict parents (okay-abusive) who long to see her married to little Prince Edward. After King Henry VIII dies in 1547, Jane’s parents align themselves with John Dudley, Earl of Northumberland, to overthrow the Edward Seymour, the new king’s regent. Caught unknowingly in the middle of her parents political ambitions is Jane, a brilliant girl who has strongly embraced the new protestant faith. Willing herself to be a “dutiful child” she goes along with her parents doomed plan to put her on the throne, when King Edward dies unexpectedly from tuberculosis. Forced into a degrading marriage with Northumberland’s son, Guildford Dudley, a spoiled boy who cares nothing for her, Jane watches as her world swiftly crumbles.

After her brief nine day reign, Jane is confined to the Tower, with the promise of a royal pardon. However, forces far away in Spain conspire to see her dead. Through it all, Jane clings to her firm beliefs that whatever happens, it is God’s will. Innocent Traitor is hard to put down, right up until the very last page. It will make you think about the motives and means of the Tudors, their court and their royal counterparts.