Historical Fiction Annotation

Author: Alison Weir

Title: Innocent Traitor

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date:  2007

Number of Pages: 407

Geographical Setting: London, England and Various Royal Castles in England

Time Period: 1537-1554

Series: N/A, but Weir has written numerous novels about the Tudor Family

Plot Summary:

Lady Jane Grey, the great niece of King Henry VIII, was born to scheming parents who were disappointed that Jane was not a boy.  However, her parents find a better solution to gaining more power; marrying Jane off to her cousin King Edward VI, thus making her Queen of England.  The plan does not pay off, but Jane’s parents will stop at nothing to make their daughter Queen when Edward dies young with no male heirs.  Passing over Henry’s oldest daughter, Mary, who was next in line for the throne, Jane is crowned Queen.  But Mary is still upset about the way that Henry treated her mother, Catherine of Aragon, does not take the rejection well and brings about Jane’s death, proclaiming her a traitor.

 

Subject Headings:

• Grey, Jane, Lady, 1537-1554
• Rulers – Great Britain
• Aristocracy – England – 16^th Century
• Greed
• Treason
• Men/Women Relations

 Appeal:

• Character-Driven
• Leisurely Paced
• Richly Detailed
• Dramatic
• Multiple Perspectives

 3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors (NoveList and LibraryThing):

• The Boleyn Inheritance: Philippa Gregory
• A Dangerous Inheritance: A Novel of Tudor Rivals and the Secret of the Tower: Alison Weir
• Bring up the Bodies: Hilary Mantel

 3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors (Amazon.com):

• Brief History of Henry VIII: Derek Wilson
• Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery: Eric Ives
• England Under the Tudors: G.R. Elton