Review: Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir (audio)

Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir

Read by: Stina Nielsen, Davina Porter, Bianca Amato, Jenny Sterlin, Jill Tanner, Gerard Doyle, & Robert Ian Mackenzie

Recorded Books, LLC

2007

Length: 18.25 hours

Source: Library

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 where one false
step means certain demise. But Lady Jane has remarkable qualities that
help her withstand the constant pressures of the royal machinery far
better than any person could be expected to do.
 

Weir’s striking novel
sweeps readers back through the centuries to witness first-hand one of
the most poignant tales from a time of constant scheming and power
brokering.

My thoughts: This is the second audiobook I’ve listened to by Alison Weir and I am definitely a fan. I’ve read/listened to a lot of historical fiction surrounding the Tudors and so am pretty familiar with all the major players. I’ve always been intrigued by Jane Grey and so couldn’t resist picking up this book.

Lady Jane Grey was queen for just over a week and was a put in that position unwillingly.  This book tells the tale of her short life, told from the perspectives of those around her. Wanting only a quiet life with her books, she was eventually put to death because of those who supposedly had her best interests at heart – or was it really their best interests? 

I love reading/listening to the tales of the royals during this time. It often makes me wonder why someone would want to be put in such a high position? I am also amazed at what people are willing to do to attain high favor – case in point, Jane’s parents. They forced her hand in a marriage that turned into an abusive relationship all so they could further their own ambitions. 

I love when authors create characters that are so likeable while they also create characters that are just as dis-likeable. In this case, Lady Jane Grey is a very likeable character – she’s quite smart for her age and you can tell that she is as true to herself as she can be. Her mother, the Duchess of Suffolk, was a dis-likeable character. She was all about her own ambition and used her daughter as she saw fit.

I’m not sure there will ever be a time when I say I’ve had enough of Tudor fiction. I think each author brings to the table their own perspectives and thus we are able to put together a richer picture of all the players involved. 

Audio thoughts: I loved the cast of narrators that read this book. I don’t typically end up listening to books with multiple narrators – not because I don’t like them, but because most of the books I pick tend to have one narrator. The cast in this case seemed to enhance the listening experience, in my opinion. Alternating between the different character’s points of view, we were able to really understand what was happening, and it helped moved the story along, especially considering the length (18.5 hours). Plus, they were all new to me, so now I will be on the hunt to see what else they have done.

Do you prefer single narrators or a cast of narrators when listening to an audiobook? Is there a case when one is better than the other?