My Opinion:

"Innocent Traitor" drew my attention for a couple of reasons: one being the recent slew of historical fiction novels, especially those concentrating on the Tudors, and second being the fact that a renowned historian Alison Weir wrote this, her first historical fiction, novel.

I only knew the basics about Lady Jane Grey, and some of those basics coming from a highly fictionalized film that romanticized Jane's marriage to Guildford Dudley. Reading this novel, in its wonderful narrative form, gave me a whole new perspective. Alison Weir proved that not only is she an excellent and highly respectable historian, but a great fictional writer as well.

As with all historical fiction, this novel is based on actual events with the author's interpretation of the daily life and possible thoughts. Weir does this masterfully, better than many authors of the genre today. Weir tells the story in the words of Jane Grey herself, as well as her mother Frances. Frances Grey, a niece to great Henry VIII via Henry's sister Mary, is a cold and calculating woman, wife and mother. She sees her position as a Tudor as an important one, and production of an heir even more important. To Frances' chagrin, she keeps on having daughters - three, in fact - first of whom was Jane, born the same month as the future King of England, Edward VI.

At first Frances' ambitions were "tame" - marry Jane to King Edward and advance the Grey family. Things are ruined by Edward's illness and subsequent premature death, an event that forced Jane's parents to think larger. Jane is to be the Queen of England, propelled to the throne against her will by men and women much stronger and much more ambitious than Jane. Apart from regular beatings by her mother, Jane is married off to Guildford Dudley, and abusive and controlling young man. The two are pushed onto the throne through deception of their parents and through cheating of the rightful heirs, Mary and Elizabeth.

Weir’s first attempt at historical fiction is mesmerizing. The research she completed was extensive and thorough, and the prose clear and engaging. It is difficult to put this book down. Weir dispels a few myths, showing Guildford’s abuse and Queen Mary’s propensity for mercy. Indeed, had it not been for Jane’s greedy father, Jane would probably never have been executed. Weir expertly paints a picture of a tragic sixteen year old girl killed by the circumstances and greed of others. Unlike quite a few of the historical fiction novels, this one was very well researched, without the actual historical events being torn to pieces in order to entertain through scandal. Weir’s fiction parts are the actual thoughts and some conversations between characters.

All in all, “Innocent Traitor” is an excellent novel, indeed it is how historical novels should be. Good character development, excellent dialogues, and in general excellent writing all made this novel a pleasure to read. Jane Grey is not a much discussed historical character, and this novel truly did justice to her. Highly recommended.