INNOCENT TRAITOR

Alison Weir writes a splendid historical fiction with this story of Lady Jane Grey, who becomes the XX of Henry VIII's eight wives. 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 Gerald 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. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]