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VIVID PORTRAIT OF LADY JANE GREY

A delightful novel for lovers of history

Date published: 3/11/2007

FOR ANYONE interested in English history, "Innocent Traitor" is a must read. Written by historian Alison Weir, it provides a vivid picture of the life and death of Lady Jane Gray, often dubbed "the nine-day queen." The book provides a fascinating look into the reign of the Tudors, providing a clear picture of 16th-century England.

Through a large cast of historical characters, we are taken behind the scenes to the bedrooms and drawing rooms of the royal house of Tudor. We are introduced to King Henry VIII toward the end of his long and controversial life. Through the eyes of his last wife, Katherine Parr, we learn what it is like to be a part of the royal family and to maneuver through politics and intrigue.

Lady Jane's parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Dorset, groom Jane from birth to be the wife of Henry's only son, Edward VI. However, Jane's only wish is to be left to her studies and her deep faith in the newly expanding Protestant religion.

As the grandniece of Henry VIII, Lady Jane has some claim to the throne of England and is considered by some to be an excellent consort for the young king. However, Edward dies at a young age under somewhat suspicious circumstances.

Lord Northumberland and other peers of the realm next plot with Jane's parents to make Jane the queen. Since Henry VIII declared Mary and Elizabeth bastards after ridding himself of their mothers, many feel that 15-year-old Jane has a legitimate claim to the throne.

In spite of her protests, Lady Jane is forced to marry the youngest son of Lord Northumberland, Guilford Dudley, and is crowned queen.

Mary summons forces loyal to her and is crowned queen instead of Jane, confining Jane to the Tower of London. She awaits her fate, depending on the mercy of Queen Mary to set her free.

In the end, Queen Mary shows no mercy. Instead, she condemns Jane to death by beheading. Jane is given one chance to save herself, if she converts to Catholicism. With her deep faith, Jane turns downs this reprieve and goes to her death with dignity.

Alison Weir is a New York Times best-selling biographer, having written about Eleanor of Aquitaine; Mary, Queen of Scots and the murder of Lord Darnley; and the six wives of Henry VIII. Her first venture into fiction writing leaves the reader wanting more.

Kathy Habel is Germanna Community College dean of workforce and community education.

INNOCENT TRAITOR: A NOVEL OF LADY JANE GREY By Alison Weir (Random House, $24.95)

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Date published: 3/11/2007