Lady Jane Gray was pushed into politics <#150> and it killed her. This "nine-days queen" unwittingly finds herself at the center of the religious and civil unrest that nearly toppled the fabled House of Tudor during the 16th century. A tale of royalty an
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"Great historical fiction from my favorite Tudor era. I hadn't heard this part of the story before and it was very tragic and some of the most tragic parts were not fiction. I liked that Jane Grey stood her ground and was true to herself. But, I find it very sad that during that time in history so much death was brought about by judgment and intolerance of different religious beliefs. And, a change in the crown could change your religion."
— Marilyn (4 out of 5 stars)
“A sensitive and fast-paced tale…Weir conveys the age’s political intrigues, religious fanaticism, and sexism.”
— USA Today“You can’t resist Jane—so young, so brilliant, so cruelly used and sacrificed. In the nine days’ queen, Weird has found a fascinating and deeply sympathetic figure through which to examine one of the strangest crises of British history.”
— Washington Post“Weir proves herself deft as ever describing Tudor food, manners, clothing, pastimes (including hunting and jousting), and marital politics.”
— Publishers Weekly“Alison Weir writes a splendid historical fiction…Multiple talented narrators are well chosen for voices and viewpoints that collaborate to tell the story. Davina Porter’s cold tones portray Jane’s shrewish mother, Frances Brandon, who can’t forgive her daughter for being born female. The regal-accented Gerard Doyle portrays self-interested John Dudley, who uses Jane as a political pawn, and Bianca Amato plays Queen Mary, who responds coldly to this political threat but melts later in compassion. In contrast are Jenny Sterlin’s kindly nurse, Mrs. Ellen, and Stina Nielsen, who shows us Jane’s development from dutiful child to contemplative girl at court and finally the 16-year-old young woman who faces execution with grace.”
— AudioFile“Complex yet completely absorbing…Weir finds Jane an intelligent individual, a thinker in her own right; but, tragically, given the times and the power available to the ‘grown-ups’ around her, she ultimately could not resist the political currents swirling over her. A brilliantly vivid and psychologically astute novel.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Weir keeps a complicated story untangled with the deft use of multiple first-person points of view. The recording enhances the technique by using varied clear-voiced narrators. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal" Well researched novel of the Tudor period. Lady Jane Grey's tragic story is told in vivid color and detail. The first person telling by a miriad of characters, both male and female, was unimpressive however and just about drove me to set the book aside unfinished. "
— Marli, 2/18/2014" Compelling, swiftly moving story of Lady Jane Grey/Dudley. Does not quite speak as a children during the younger ages, but gets the adult Jane quite well. "
— NuevoRain, 2/10/2014" I'm sure this was a perfectly lovely novel but I couldn't finish it. Too depressing, especially as a mom of young daughters and especially as I know how the story must end! "
— Sarahlynn, 1/24/2014" 5/3: I asked for historical fiction books for Christmas this past year, and I got two Alison Weir books from Andy's mom (Cheryl). I just started the first one--so far, I'm digging it. Imagine a slightly drier (but no less exciting) version of Philippa Gregory... a bit more history, a bit more of the royal ties, that sort of thing. "
— Lyz, 1/6/2014" I didn't know it was fiction when i started. I couldn't finish it. "
— Jagad5, 1/6/2014" I am always intrigued by stories about King Henry VIII's court. This one was rather heart wrenching as Jane is a strong character who was victimized her entire life. I enjoyed the story very much. It always makes me wonder how much is fact and how much is fiction, when I read historical fiction. I believe this falls under "novel" that is based on a character in history. In any case, it delivered the usual intrigue that this genre begs. "
— Brook, 1/2/2014" This was my first historical fiction of the time period. Excellent introduction book, started me down the path of reading many, many more. "
— Daphne, 1/1/2014" A well written look at the life of Lady Jane who was shamefully used by the adults in her life to achieve rank and power. "
— Camille, 12/9/2013" enjoyed the subject and found the diarist style interesting if a little disjointed at times. "
— Sheryl, 12/4/2013" What a great way to catch up on some history. Weir writes in chapters or sections of different voices so you need to look at the section title to go with the flow of the perspective. Gripping storyline, I read it over a few days, didn't have to make time for it, chased it! "
— cms, 10/15/2013" I like this time period. But I wanted to behead Jane Grey myself by the end of the book. "
— Jenny, 10/3/2013" Fascinating account of Lady Jane Grey's short life and the machinations that go on in King Henry VIII's court. "
— Jane, 6/17/2013" Those Tudors were mean! This fictional account of the life of Lady Jane Grey and those around her, gives a good insight into the scheming world of the power hungry Tudors. "
— Jo, 3/1/2013" This book shed some light on the story of Lady Jane Grey, the six days queen. Lots of Tudor intrigue, some romance, all in all, a wonderful book. While I realize that as with any historical fiction, you must take it with a grain of salt, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book one bit. "
— Jeanna, 1/20/2013" A brilliant rendition of those turbulent times and the style of writing from the characters point of view is engrossing. "
— Slibrarian, 12/16/2012" I was oddly disappointed. I enjoy historical fiction, but for some reason this was just a tad boring for me. I finished it, and it was not a miserable experience. But...meh. "
— Kristin, 8/5/2012" I became very fond of Lady Jane Grey -- Queen of England for nine days, and was fascinated by her story. I always like Alison Weir's books, and I'm thinking this goes to the top of the heap. "
— Judy, 6/21/2012" Pretty good, I liked the closing chapters the most. "
— Ariana, 5/17/2012" Super interesting history. Definitely dark and sad but a fun and memorable way to learn British history. I was inspired by Jane and the story gave me quite a bit to ponder about politics, religion, true faith, etc. FYI there is quite the nasty rape scene that could be skipped over "
— Jessica, 1/21/2012" A good read about a fascinating event in history. I am disappointed in Guilford Dudley's lack of redemption, although I believe it. Still, wouldn't it be nice if he were like the intelligent, playful version played by Cary Elwes, not the blubbering whinging mama's boy he probably really was. "
— Hawkgrrrl, 6/30/2011" Alison weir is a brilliant historian and this novel showcased that and her ability to present factual data in story form beautifully, with intrigue and in this case heart wrenching. Bravo. One of my favorite books. "
— Belinda, 6/6/2011" Juicy and fascinating ... Anyone who likes books about royalty (I.e. Abundance) will love this. "
— Polliwog, 6/1/2011" Historical fiction based on Lady Jane Grey, queen of England for 9 days. Probably closely follows the historical evidence of this brief, unusual life, with the possible exception of the depiction of her marriage as being loathsome and violent. Makes a fascinating story, fun to listen to on tape. "
— Mom, 5/10/2011" I'm sure this was a perfectly lovely novel but I couldn't finish it. Too depressing, especially as a mom of young daughters and especially as I know how the story must end! "
— Sarahlynn, 5/4/2011" Still reading this, but it is a superb portrayal of what Tudor England must have been like! Cannot wait to finish!! "
— Leigh, 4/29/2011" I got so immersed in this book that I have really not gotten much done this week. It had all of the intrigue and drama of the English court and was written in a way that I felt like I knew each of the characters so well. Can't wait to read Lady Elizabeth. "
— Lanie, 4/29/2011" Following my ever-expanding repetoire of Tudor/Elizabethan fiction books I've acquired, this one is great because it follows Jane Grey, which I had yet to read about. Very nice read. "
— Dawn, 4/28/2011" Great production on this audiobook. Each character has his/her own narrator. I never understood the story of Lady Jane Grey / Queen Jane. It's clearer to me now. This is the first of Alison Weir's I've read & I look forward to the next one. "
— Kathie, 4/26/2011" I could not put this book down. I loved this portrayal of the Lady Jane Grey. Well done book. "
— Jennifer, 4/24/2011" Tender approach to this child victim. "
— Trish, 4/17/2011" A well-researched, dignified telling the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, who was queen of England for only a matter of days before the men who used her as a pawn to get them power, lost their quest and saw<br/>the teen-aged queen beheaded. She had such a brave heart! "
— Pat, 4/10/2011Alison Weir is many works of nonfiction and historical fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Innocent Traitor and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She has also written historical biographies that include Queens of the Conquest, Queens of the Crusades, and Queens of the Age of Chivalry.