I very much enjoyed this book. This is the story of Lady (Queen) Jane Grey but told through the eyes of her mother and mother-in-law. Fast paced reading (finished it in one day) and very well written. I have found yet another author I will be buying more books from! ( )

Her Highness, the Traitor is the story and events leading up the execution of Lady Jane Grey. The story is told by both Jane Dudley, wife of John Dudley and Francis Grey, mother to Jane.

I always like to read about the Tudors and it made a nice change to hear from someone different. I already knew about Francis Grey but nothing at all about Jane Dudley. The book I was expecting to be more about Lady Jane Grey but it did focus more on the two mothers and the events as they saw then happen.

The book starts way back and covers the events of both Seymours, Thomas and Edward. Following this is the death of King Eward VI and the rise in power of John Dudley and then the business with Jane Grey. Much of this I already knew so I had no surprises reading the book.

For me the first part of the story was interesting historically but did drag on a bit. The reason being is that both Jane and Francis tell the story but both see the same events, so making the story a little repetitive. For me the best part of the book was the second section which did focus on Jane becoming Queen. I did find though that this part was over and done with in a short section. I know she was Queen for nine days but story was dealt with quickly.

I still thought the book was an ok Tudor read and would be a good book for anyone wanting to read about that part of history. For me it dragged in places but overall it was an interesting read. ( )

Higginbotham never fails to please in making history real to her readers; giving vague historical figures a 3D persona and impulses all their own. This work took a bit longer to get into, but she still exceled in these key points.

It took a bit longer for me to get into this work than her previous works. It had to do with the timeframe this one explored, Tudor times rather than the High Middle Ages. I’ve not read as much in the Tudor era as it seems overdone. Yet, this one talked about minor players in the “Game of Thrones” that was Tudor England politics so I figured I’d give it a try.

Historical integrity made an appearance, another hallmark of Higginbotham. The turbulent years of post-Henry VIII are lovingly portrayed in all their bloody and magnificent glory. Families and individuals rose and fell with startling swiftness in these years; the author explores how that impacted the women of these families, often the pawns of others trapped in a dangerous game. Knowing these ladies were real, getting to know them through tragedy and fire, is why I read historical fiction.

At first, I got a bit lost in the deluge of names, faces, and titles. Some background knowledge of Tudor politics and personages probably would have helped in this era. About the only title I recognized was the Duke of Somerset (Thank you Tudors TV show! LOL) and then of course, I knew of Jane Grey, her sisters/mother, and husband.

Higginbotham makes them so much more, though. Jane is a spoiled, cunning brat that starts to mature and show vulnerability as her ascent comes to a screeching halt. Frances is swept up in the whirlwind of her husband’s ambitions and plans, trying to keep an even keel for her family. Guildford marries into the wrong family at the wrong time, an innocent caught up in the struggle for the Crown. And it goes on… Each character grows as an individual, developing as the story progresses. I grew to care about the fate of each person, feeling melancholy when fate struck and joy when happiness was achieved.

Despite being a bit harder to get into than the other Higginbotham works I’ve read, this one still turned out a solid addition to her bibliography. I like that she’s getting away from the Middles Ages; her next work on my list to read is post-American Civil War. Wherever in the currents of history she chooses to play, Susan always manages to fish out great characters, glorious stories, and themes that touch the heart. Highly recommended! ( )

This is a fictionalized account of the intrigue that surrounded the Grey, Seymour, & Dudley families during the reign of Edward VI and the aspiration of those involved w/ Edward to put Lady Jane Grey & her husband Guildford Dudley on the throne of England in the stead of Mary Tudor.
The book was told through the alternating first personages of Jane Dudley (Guildford's mother) and Frances Grey (Jane's mother).
The book began with Jane Dudley's narration in January 1555 (beginning her story in January 1512-January 1547) and ended with France Grey's narration of events January 1555 - April 1555.
I found this book very interesting, also there is no actual proof that Jane Grey was abused by her parents, when in fact her father doted on her and her mother had no interest in Jane's high level of learning. The book made Jane appear to be an insufferable snob who had no interest in ever being queen but had a devotion to Protestantism to match that of Elizabeth. ( )

I enjoyed this book. This gives us another fresh look on the life of Jane Grey. Yes it is another book about the Tudors, but this one carries a much different portrayal of Lady Jane Grey. It is backed up with research and well done by the author. The author uses the mother of Jane Grey and the mother of John Dudley to tell the story. I think that this is what makes the book!! I have read other novels about Jane Grey, but it is interesting to read what opinions other authors have about her life. This is another fascinating look at the Tudor court, the personalities, the splendor and the twisted politics. It has everything that I like about this period in time. I admit even with the character index, I still got confused with Jane Dudley and Jane Grey. I will give this a 4 out of 5 stars. ( )