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Her Highness, the Traitor
A daughter can be a dangerous weapon in the battle for the throne of England...
Frances Grey harbored no dream of her children taking the throne. Cousin of the king, she knew the pitfalls of royalty and privilege. Better to marry them off, marry them well, perhaps to a clan like the Dudleys.
Jane Dudley knew her husband was creeping closer to the throne, but someone had to take charge, for the good of the country. She couldn't see the twisted path they all would follow.
The never-before-told story of the women behind the crowning of Jane Grey, this novel is a captivating peek at ambition gone awry, and the damage left in its wake.
Frances Grey harbored no dream of her children taking the throne. Cousin of the king, she knew the pitfalls of royalty and privilege. Better to marry them off, marry them well, perhaps to a clan like the Dudleys.
Jane Dudley knew her husband was creeping closer to the throne, but someone had to take charge, for the good of the country. She couldn't see the twisted path they all would follow.
The never-before-told story of the women behind the crowning of Jane Grey, this novel is a captivating peek at ambition gone awry, and the damage left in its wake.
315 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Susan Higginbotham
18 books989 followersWelcome! I write historical fiction and nonfiction set in medieval and Tudor England and, most recently, nineteenth-century America.
As a writer of biographical fiction, one of my main goals is to avoid the stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that have gathered around historical figures over the centuries. At the same time, I strive to remain true to known historical facts and to the mores of the times in which my characters lived. I use both primary sources and modern historical research to bring my characters to life.
As a writer of biographical fiction, one of my main goals is to avoid the stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that have gathered around historical figures over the centuries. At the same time, I strive to remain true to known historical facts and to the mores of the times in which my characters lived. I use both primary sources and modern historical research to bring my characters to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
August 24, 2012
Finally, historical fiction centered on the reign of Edward VI, the political and religious upheaval, the successsion crisis that is balanced and enjoyable to read. Ms. Higginbotham relies on history, extant letters and documents to tell the story of a kingdom at the edge of destruction while balancing toward the modern era. We are shown the period through the eyes and voices of two women close to the throne: Frances Grey, neice of Henry VIII, wife of Henry Grey, Marquis of Dorset and later Duke of Suffolk (by right of Frances) and mother of the Lady Jane, known to us as "The Nine Days' Queen," in part to the amendment to Edward VI's will or "devise" that disinherited Edward's sisters Mary and Elizabeth (but briefly)that made her Queen of England after Edward's death in 1553 at the age of 16; and Jane Dudley, wife of John Dudley, earl of Warwick and duke of Northumberland who ruled England after the death of Edward's uncle the Protector Somerset, and the mother of Guilford Dudley, Jane Grey's husband.
Many works of fiction and a particular movie have portrayed Jane's parents as cruel and heartless, the Northumberlands as grasping, devious, power hungry. As I mentioned above, Ms. Higginbotham doesn't follow suit with what has gone before - because she tells the story through two women usually relegated to being either silent witnesses or hags, Jane Grey is less the innocent martyr for the reformist cause and more a flesh-and-blood teenaged girl who is precocious, opinionated and a pain in the neck at times, but a girl who is true to her faith thanks to her parents' attention to her education and upbringing. She was considered a preeminent scholar and reformist (Protestant) in her learned circle and after her execution, her letters were printed and distributed, cherished by many who espoused 'the new learning,' as the Protestant church was sometimes called. Yet, Jane was absolutely believable and real in Ms. Higginbotham's hands. While reading the book, I felt that Jane Grey would have been the exceptionally bright yet annoying girl in the front row of history class, raising her hand and giving the right answer every time the teacher asked a question and quick to correct we lesser humans if we deigned to give a wrong one! She would be the first to defend and to right a wrong.
Ms. Higginbotham gives us the history and the facts without seven hundred pages to slog through - the minority of Edward VI and the quarrel between his uncles, Jane's brief sojourn as queen proclaimed but not crowned, Mary's swift seizure of the crown that was her right as Henry VIII's eldest daughter, the deaths of Jane, Guilford as a result of uprisings against Mary and her imperial leanings (which Jane and Guilford had nothing to do with), are illustrated here.
The prose is finely-honed, the dialogue wonderful, the characters come to life. If you're tired of yet another Tudor novel with the usual cardboard paperdolls, the same tresses of hair being tossed back and same courtiers sitting and plotting in darkened corners of lively great chambers, pick up this book NOW. This is indeed the Tudor story you don't know - but will want to know as soon as you read the first lines.
Many works of fiction and a particular movie have portrayed Jane's parents as cruel and heartless, the Northumberlands as grasping, devious, power hungry. As I mentioned above, Ms. Higginbotham doesn't follow suit with what has gone before - because she tells the story through two women usually relegated to being either silent witnesses or hags, Jane Grey is less the innocent martyr for the reformist cause and more a flesh-and-blood teenaged girl who is precocious, opinionated and a pain in the neck at times, but a girl who is true to her faith thanks to her parents' attention to her education and upbringing. She was considered a preeminent scholar and reformist (Protestant) in her learned circle and after her execution, her letters were printed and distributed, cherished by many who espoused 'the new learning,' as the Protestant church was sometimes called. Yet, Jane was absolutely believable and real in Ms. Higginbotham's hands. While reading the book, I felt that Jane Grey would have been the exceptionally bright yet annoying girl in the front row of history class, raising her hand and giving the right answer every time the teacher asked a question and quick to correct we lesser humans if we deigned to give a wrong one! She would be the first to defend and to right a wrong.
Ms. Higginbotham gives us the history and the facts without seven hundred pages to slog through - the minority of Edward VI and the quarrel between his uncles, Jane's brief sojourn as queen proclaimed but not crowned, Mary's swift seizure of the crown that was her right as Henry VIII's eldest daughter, the deaths of Jane, Guilford as a result of uprisings against Mary and her imperial leanings (which Jane and Guilford had nothing to do with), are illustrated here.
The prose is finely-honed, the dialogue wonderful, the characters come to life. If you're tired of yet another Tudor novel with the usual cardboard paperdolls, the same tresses of hair being tossed back and same courtiers sitting and plotting in darkened corners of lively great chambers, pick up this book NOW. This is indeed the Tudor story you don't know - but will want to know as soon as you read the first lines.
May 24, 2012
4.5 stars.
Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen - was she a victim of her ruthless, scheming parents, or was she a victim of circumstance, being born much too close to the throne? How do you decide between the wishes of the dead king, or the one now dying?
After the unexpected death of Edward VI, England’s crown was to have gone first to elder sister Mary, and then to Elizabeth. Simple, right? Not. Problem was, not very many folks wanted Catholic Mary on England’s throne, plus Edward changed the order of succession before his death, naming the Lady Jane Grey as his heir.
OK, I think most historical fiction buffs have read enough about the Tudors to know the basics, as well as the myths, but if you don’t I am not going to spoil it for you by going into greater story detail. Higginbotham tells the story via alternating first person point of views of Jane Dudley (mother of Guildford Dudley) and Francis Grey (Jane’s mother). I’m generally not fond of alternating POVs and admit to struggling with this at first until I got a handle on the different voices, but in the end I thought it worked very well.
Higginbotham has done an excellent job of wading through those myths and half-truths, presenting a balanced, well-rounded case for what might really have happened, all lightly seasoned here and there with Higginbotham’s sense of humor (watch out for her April Fools’ Day blog posts).
Thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an early copy.
Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen - was she a victim of her ruthless, scheming parents, or was she a victim of circumstance, being born much too close to the throne? How do you decide between the wishes of the dead king, or the one now dying?
After the unexpected death of Edward VI, England’s crown was to have gone first to elder sister Mary, and then to Elizabeth. Simple, right? Not. Problem was, not very many folks wanted Catholic Mary on England’s throne, plus Edward changed the order of succession before his death, naming the Lady Jane Grey as his heir.
OK, I think most historical fiction buffs have read enough about the Tudors to know the basics, as well as the myths, but if you don’t I am not going to spoil it for you by going into greater story detail. Higginbotham tells the story via alternating first person point of views of Jane Dudley (mother of Guildford Dudley) and Francis Grey (Jane’s mother). I’m generally not fond of alternating POVs and admit to struggling with this at first until I got a handle on the different voices, but in the end I thought it worked very well.
Higginbotham has done an excellent job of wading through those myths and half-truths, presenting a balanced, well-rounded case for what might really have happened, all lightly seasoned here and there with Higginbotham’s sense of humor (watch out for her April Fools’ Day blog posts).
Thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an early copy.
May 7, 2017
The book is the story of Jane Grey told from the alternating viewpoints of her mother and her mother in law. It is good to finally read a novel where Jane Grey and her mother are depicted with more substance than the usual ‘poor daughter, evil mother’ stereotype. The different viewpoints do not clash and the story flows smoothly. However, at some point the two voices assimilate into one, and create confusion. The narrative got a little monotonous at some points because of this, but otherwise, the flow was good and readable. The author has obviously made the effort in her research and it shines through. The writing was good and enjoyable, and I got dragged into the story pretty fast.
The main problem I had with the book was that it seemed to whitewash the Dudleys completely. I don’t believe Northumberland to be the evil man of popular notion and I appreciate that the author tried to redo his image in a different light. But I feel it swung too much the other way. He seemed to be not interested in putting down Seymour even though it would be the right thing to do from his perspective, or to have Jane as queen, which reasonably anyone in his position would have wanted. It wouldn’t have made them evil, just human. Jane Dudley came across as quite the little saint and was extremely annoying. The Dudley characters were colourless and the plot didn’t make sense. Why, if he was so unambitious and saintly, were they even at court and managed to be the top man? Everything just falls into their laps, they never want, aim or plot for anything. They are always nice to everyone, enemies included. I didn’t find it realistic.
The Greys were a more balanced and well-rounded family, with disputes, problems and some arrogance, who wanted what was best for them – a more realistic depiction. My favourite characters were Robert, Mary and Jane herself. I am delighted that Jane was portrayed as she was. I am glad that Edward Seymour was not portrayed as evil as he so often is and his execution was very emotive as was the last meeting of Frances Grey with her husband, scenes I really enjoyed reading.
This book is an interesting and different look at the characters in the story and is worth reading. It is dull in parts and I think the author lost some good opportunities for showing drama and excitement, but it picks up nicely in others. I recommend it mostly to readers who want a different angle to the relationship between Frances Brandon and Jane Grey relationship.
The main problem I had with the book was that it seemed to whitewash the Dudleys completely. I don’t believe Northumberland to be the evil man of popular notion and I appreciate that the author tried to redo his image in a different light. But I feel it swung too much the other way. He seemed to be not interested in putting down Seymour even though it would be the right thing to do from his perspective, or to have Jane as queen, which reasonably anyone in his position would have wanted. It wouldn’t have made them evil, just human. Jane Dudley came across as quite the little saint and was extremely annoying. The Dudley characters were colourless and the plot didn’t make sense. Why, if he was so unambitious and saintly, were they even at court and managed to be the top man? Everything just falls into their laps, they never want, aim or plot for anything. They are always nice to everyone, enemies included. I didn’t find it realistic.
The Greys were a more balanced and well-rounded family, with disputes, problems and some arrogance, who wanted what was best for them – a more realistic depiction. My favourite characters were Robert, Mary and Jane herself. I am delighted that Jane was portrayed as she was. I am glad that Edward Seymour was not portrayed as evil as he so often is and his execution was very emotive as was the last meeting of Frances Grey with her husband, scenes I really enjoyed reading.
This book is an interesting and different look at the characters in the story and is worth reading. It is dull in parts and I think the author lost some good opportunities for showing drama and excitement, but it picks up nicely in others. I recommend it mostly to readers who want a different angle to the relationship between Frances Brandon and Jane Grey relationship.
July 7, 2019
I enjoyed the subject of the book, I often felt dislocated from the characters, because of the shifting back and forth between families so much. I also felt there should have been a little more development of the history of these families, so we could appreciate the intricacies of their power struggle over more than this one generation. Good reading overall, though.
February 21, 2012
Lady Jane Grey’s story will always be a tragic one, no matter how you look at it, but what I loved about “Her Highness, the Traitor” was that the story was told through the eyes of the two mothers involved in the events of 1553: Frances Grey, mother of Lady Jane Grey, and Jane Dudley, mother of Guildford Dudley and wife of John Dudley. Higginbotham explores the impact of the events of 1547-1554 on both the Greys and Dudleys: Edward VI’s reign, the rise and fall of Protector Somerset, the rise of John Dudley and the short reign of Lady Jane Grey. Both Frances and Jane lost children and husbands in 1554, and fought to survive and put their families back together.
Higginbotham’s Lady Jane Grey is very different to the usual tragic victim we’re used to. Jane is a highly intelligent and pious girl who can be proud, haughty and abrasive. She is close to her father, Henry Grey, but her mother struggles to understand her. Although Frances and Jane are not close, Frances is far from the strict, hunting-loving monster depicted by some authors; she loves her daughter and wants the best for her. Jane and Guildford’s relationship is certainly not a love match but Guildford is a warm, fun-loving young man who cares for his wife and her family, and who goes to his death with courage and dignity. He wants the crown as Jane’s consort, but he certainly is not power hungry. As for John Dudley, well, I must admit to falling in love with him in the book! He is a wonderfully warm character who loves his family and who wants to do his duty to his monarch. He is a man of principle and conscience. I also loved the opportunity of getting to know minor characters such as Mary Dudley and Henry Sidney.
Higginbotham’s idea of telling the story through the eyes of these women is a wonderful way of bringing these events and characters to life. You feel you’re there with them and you cannot help but be moved by the events as they unfold. We all know how it ends, but we often forget the impact and legacy of those bloody days and that’s what is explored here. Next time I visit the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, I won’t just think of the fallen queens who lie at rest there, I will also pay my respects to the fallen dukes and Guildford Dudley.
Higginbotham’s Lady Jane Grey is very different to the usual tragic victim we’re used to. Jane is a highly intelligent and pious girl who can be proud, haughty and abrasive. She is close to her father, Henry Grey, but her mother struggles to understand her. Although Frances and Jane are not close, Frances is far from the strict, hunting-loving monster depicted by some authors; she loves her daughter and wants the best for her. Jane and Guildford’s relationship is certainly not a love match but Guildford is a warm, fun-loving young man who cares for his wife and her family, and who goes to his death with courage and dignity. He wants the crown as Jane’s consort, but he certainly is not power hungry. As for John Dudley, well, I must admit to falling in love with him in the book! He is a wonderfully warm character who loves his family and who wants to do his duty to his monarch. He is a man of principle and conscience. I also loved the opportunity of getting to know minor characters such as Mary Dudley and Henry Sidney.
Higginbotham’s idea of telling the story through the eyes of these women is a wonderful way of bringing these events and characters to life. You feel you’re there with them and you cannot help but be moved by the events as they unfold. We all know how it ends, but we often forget the impact and legacy of those bloody days and that’s what is explored here. Next time I visit the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, I won’t just think of the fallen queens who lie at rest there, I will also pay my respects to the fallen dukes and Guildford Dudley.
January 3, 2017
3 stars - It was good.
Not my favorite Tudor historical fiction, but definitely worth reading if you too enjoy this genre.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: Sometimes, the goodness of human beings can make one weep harder than their follies.
First Sentence: If there is an advantage to dying, it is this: people humor one’s wishes.
Not my favorite Tudor historical fiction, but definitely worth reading if you too enjoy this genre.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: Sometimes, the goodness of human beings can make one weep harder than their follies.
First Sentence: If there is an advantage to dying, it is this: people humor one’s wishes.
June 15, 2012
4.5 Stars! Higginbotham takes the story we thought we knew about Jane Grey and turns it on it's head! John Dudley wasn't an evil man? Frances Grey didn't beat her daughter? Was Edward VI poisoned? Manipulated? Knowing Higginbotham is one of our trusted Historical Fiction authors, I couldn't wait to dig into her notes at the end. As usual she did her research and didn't jump on the myths and false accusations so many other writers and Hollywood have done.
The author gives us the story of The 9 Day Queen through the eyes of Frances Grey and Jane Dudley. I'm not rehashing the plot here, but basically Frances' daughter Jane and Jane's son Guildford are brought together for one of the most interesting and rumor filled speculative stories in history of how they were put on the throne.
Why 4.5 stars and not 5? Only because the first person narrative was a little confusing in the beginning. Especially if you put the book down and without finishing the chapter. Also Higginbotham can throw you with calling a person by his name in one paragraph and using only his title the next. Even though I'm familiar with the characters even I had to check the character list in the front throughout the book.
This is a typical Higginbotham read. Great insight. Great storytelling without the fluff. If you want to know about Jane Grey or like me think you know all about her, read this!
The author gives us the story of The 9 Day Queen through the eyes of Frances Grey and Jane Dudley. I'm not rehashing the plot here, but basically Frances' daughter Jane and Jane's son Guildford are brought together for one of the most interesting and rumor filled speculative stories in history of how they were put on the throne.
Why 4.5 stars and not 5? Only because the first person narrative was a little confusing in the beginning. Especially if you put the book down and without finishing the chapter. Also Higginbotham can throw you with calling a person by his name in one paragraph and using only his title the next. Even though I'm familiar with the characters even I had to check the character list in the front throughout the book.
This is a typical Higginbotham read. Great insight. Great storytelling without the fluff. If you want to know about Jane Grey or like me think you know all about her, read this!
July 13, 2012
I was very happy with this one, and found it to be worth the time to read. Just when I think that I have read everything and everyone on the Tudors, and being heartily sick of it all, Susan Higginbotham yanked me right out of that rut and presented the tale of two women who helped to create one of the more unusual events in history -- the reign of Lady Jane Grey as Queen of England for just nine days. It also changed some of my viewpoints on the main characters. Very well researched and written this is one that I can happily recommended.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Her_Hi...
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Her_Hi...
January 29, 2020
They say that, “Legends never die” and initial impressions are difficult to transform. This is certainly true of Jane Grey, the ‘Nine Days Queen’ (in fact, her reign was about 13 days). Tudor texts encapsulate Jane as a highly-intelligent, staunch Protestant, teenage girl who was abused by her mother and forced to accept the crown. Her husband Guildford Dudley was a ‘Mama’s Boy’ while Jane Dudley (his mother) was an overbearing, snotty, pretentious woman. Frances Grey is penned as Jane Grey’s abusive mother while the Dudleys were upstarts and the Seymours caught control of the Crown. These character descriptions have been passed down for generations with few arguing their merits... with the exception of Susan Higginbotham. Higginbotham completely destroys these stereotypes and explores the events that led Jane Grey to the throne in the historical-fiction novel, “Her Highness, the Traitor: The Tudor Story you Don’t Know”.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” literally reworks the traditional Jane Grey story and narrates it from the perspectives of Frances Grey (Jane’s mother) and Jane Dudley (John Dudley’s wife); who were supposedly part of the group of orchestrators bringing Jane to the throne. Higginbotham throws the boxed figures into the fire and reshapes their Phoenix ashes as new beings with Jane being a sort of spoiled brat rather than a puppet martyr, Frances holds the role of a mother trying to balance loyalties, and Jane Dudley as a bystander to her husband. This new formula and view makes for a compelling and intriguing piece, moving “Her Highness the Traitor” to the front of the Jane Grey novel line.
Although reimagining historical events and the narratives of historical figures (and the propaganda surrounding them) could most likely result in an unbelievable fluff piece; Higginbotham’s tale is smooth, plausible, and organic. The characters’ telling of events transports readers and truly envisions conceivable perspectives that are fresh and provoke theories of thought. “Her Highness, the Traitor” is not just an entertaining novel about Jane Grey but also rebuts traditional historical theses and is therefore perfectly apt for staunch nonfiction readers interested in the subject.
In typical Higginbotham fashion, “Her Highness, the Traitor” does take historical liberties but maintains an emphasis on research and academia making it more history than fiction. These are few and far between and not ‘fluffy’ enough to be detrimental to the overall credibility of the novel.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” occasionally slips into an, “As you know, Bob” – style storytelling that is somewhat surprising from an author known for being anti- this method. Fortunately, this occurs more so in the beginning of “Her Highness, the Traitor” and isn’t cumbersome throughout the novel duration.
The major flaw/weakness in “Her Highness, the Traitor” is the absence of character development and arcs. Both the plot and characterizations are very one-note and stagnant. Even given the unique interpretations; Jane Dudley, Frances Grey and Jane Grey never adapt or grow making “Her Highness, the Traitor” less invigorating and conclusively devoid of the level of emotional movement that could have been captured.
Readers will find “Her Highness, the Traitor” to contain occasional ‘Easter Eggs’ rife with Higginbotham’s sassy quips. This characteristic Higginbotham tradition is not lost in “Her Highness, the Traitor”.
When “Her Highness, the Traitor” reaches its pinnacle climax and its concluding chapters; is when Higginbotham’s writing and story explode and truly shine. Emotions are felt, the pace is lively, the characters jump from the text, and everything, overall, feels real and golden; resulting in a strong and memorable ending that erases any flaw the novel may have suffered, previously.
Higginbotham supplements “Her Highness, the Traitor” with an absolutely extraordinary ‘Author’s Note’ expressing every detail of truth and/or historical liberty within the novel. This tends to be overlooked by some historical fiction authors and should be applauded.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” reworks history and tells it in an unsullied way that by no means dilutes facts but simply offers a character study that encourages Tudor history lovers to rethink typical stereotypes. “Her Highness, the Traitor” is suggested for all readers of Tudor history, Tudor historical-fiction, and of course: Higginbotham devotees.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” literally reworks the traditional Jane Grey story and narrates it from the perspectives of Frances Grey (Jane’s mother) and Jane Dudley (John Dudley’s wife); who were supposedly part of the group of orchestrators bringing Jane to the throne. Higginbotham throws the boxed figures into the fire and reshapes their Phoenix ashes as new beings with Jane being a sort of spoiled brat rather than a puppet martyr, Frances holds the role of a mother trying to balance loyalties, and Jane Dudley as a bystander to her husband. This new formula and view makes for a compelling and intriguing piece, moving “Her Highness the Traitor” to the front of the Jane Grey novel line.
Although reimagining historical events and the narratives of historical figures (and the propaganda surrounding them) could most likely result in an unbelievable fluff piece; Higginbotham’s tale is smooth, plausible, and organic. The characters’ telling of events transports readers and truly envisions conceivable perspectives that are fresh and provoke theories of thought. “Her Highness, the Traitor” is not just an entertaining novel about Jane Grey but also rebuts traditional historical theses and is therefore perfectly apt for staunch nonfiction readers interested in the subject.
In typical Higginbotham fashion, “Her Highness, the Traitor” does take historical liberties but maintains an emphasis on research and academia making it more history than fiction. These are few and far between and not ‘fluffy’ enough to be detrimental to the overall credibility of the novel.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” occasionally slips into an, “As you know, Bob” – style storytelling that is somewhat surprising from an author known for being anti- this method. Fortunately, this occurs more so in the beginning of “Her Highness, the Traitor” and isn’t cumbersome throughout the novel duration.
The major flaw/weakness in “Her Highness, the Traitor” is the absence of character development and arcs. Both the plot and characterizations are very one-note and stagnant. Even given the unique interpretations; Jane Dudley, Frances Grey and Jane Grey never adapt or grow making “Her Highness, the Traitor” less invigorating and conclusively devoid of the level of emotional movement that could have been captured.
Readers will find “Her Highness, the Traitor” to contain occasional ‘Easter Eggs’ rife with Higginbotham’s sassy quips. This characteristic Higginbotham tradition is not lost in “Her Highness, the Traitor”.
When “Her Highness, the Traitor” reaches its pinnacle climax and its concluding chapters; is when Higginbotham’s writing and story explode and truly shine. Emotions are felt, the pace is lively, the characters jump from the text, and everything, overall, feels real and golden; resulting in a strong and memorable ending that erases any flaw the novel may have suffered, previously.
Higginbotham supplements “Her Highness, the Traitor” with an absolutely extraordinary ‘Author’s Note’ expressing every detail of truth and/or historical liberty within the novel. This tends to be overlooked by some historical fiction authors and should be applauded.
“Her Highness, the Traitor” reworks history and tells it in an unsullied way that by no means dilutes facts but simply offers a character study that encourages Tudor history lovers to rethink typical stereotypes. “Her Highness, the Traitor” is suggested for all readers of Tudor history, Tudor historical-fiction, and of course: Higginbotham devotees.
June 6, 2012
Her Highness, the Traitor opens with the death of Henry VIII and ends after the execution of Lady Jane Grey.
The book is told from the point-of-view of two women: Jane's mother Frances Grey; and Jane Dudley. The chapters went back and forth between them and the story didn't suffer for it. Admittedly, sometimes I did forget whose chapter I was on, but that may have been my own problem, seeing as I always have trouble keeping people straight with stories of this time period. It didn't help that some of the characters actually changed titles as the story went on. Oye, my poor brain.
I digress. I loved the two separate voices, and enjoyed seeing the same events from each of their perspective's. And as their lives started to cross, due to the marriage of their children, it was interesting seeing how each woman viewed the other.
I learned quite a bit from this book, because I only knew the bare bones of the legend surrounding Lady Jane Grey. I appreciated that the author leaned more towards fact than suspected fiction and biases through the centuries. I also appreciated how events weren't glossed over or sugarcoated: such as the executions. One of them was particularly upsetting, but it needed to be shown.
I'm not a big Tudor reader, but I think it's more that I tend to stay away from books surrounding Henry VIII, which is probably 95% of them.
I enjoyed this one. Definitely recommended.
The book is told from the point-of-view of two women: Jane's mother Frances Grey; and Jane Dudley. The chapters went back and forth between them and the story didn't suffer for it. Admittedly, sometimes I did forget whose chapter I was on, but that may have been my own problem, seeing as I always have trouble keeping people straight with stories of this time period. It didn't help that some of the characters actually changed titles as the story went on. Oye, my poor brain.
I digress. I loved the two separate voices, and enjoyed seeing the same events from each of their perspective's. And as their lives started to cross, due to the marriage of their children, it was interesting seeing how each woman viewed the other.
I learned quite a bit from this book, because I only knew the bare bones of the legend surrounding Lady Jane Grey. I appreciated that the author leaned more towards fact than suspected fiction and biases through the centuries. I also appreciated how events weren't glossed over or sugarcoated: such as the executions. One of them was particularly upsetting, but it needed to be shown.
I'm not a big Tudor reader, but I think it's more that I tend to stay away from books surrounding Henry VIII, which is probably 95% of them.
I enjoyed this one. Definitely recommended.
July 4, 2012
The idea of a bratty Jane Grey, told by half by her mother Frances Grey and half by her mother-in-law Jane Dudley was a good one. Unfortunately, the two narrative voices were so similar it was hard to tell who was speaking, making the book considerably less enjoyable than it could have been.
June 30, 2012
Throughout my reading of this book, I felt like the title could be changed slightly to fit almost every main character. At one time or another they were all found to be traitors to the crown and a vast many paid for it with their lives. With that said, THE traitor of the title is not one of our narrators, but her story is told through the viewpoints of Jane Dudley (Jane Grey’s mother-in-law) and Frances Grey (Jane Grey’s mother). I really appreciated this story being told from their perspectives. With the alternating chapters you could see events from both sides of the fence – and usually they were on opposing sides. With these narrators you are right within the crush of events, however they escape with their lives. I feel that the author did a very good job of making these women their own and really getting the reader to care about them.
Regarding THE traitor, Jane Grey – I found it hard to connect with her in this novel. She isn’t one of the narrators, so we have to see her through the eyes of others, and you would think with two opposing narrators we would get a well-rounded view of her. She appears stand-offish and mostly one dimensional. When she meets her ultimate end, I did not feel too much for her. This is diametrically different from my outpouring of tears at the end of Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. I would have liked to have been given the chance to get to know her better in this novel.
This book casts a much more sympathetic light on the Dudley’s and the Grey’s than many other novels do. The relationship between Frances Grey and her daughter Jane is typically characterized as harsh with Frances coming out as an advancement grabbing woman. The Dudley’s, particularly John Dudley, the patriarch, are crafted as villains who are creating treasonous plots. As described in the author’s note, Higginbotham has tried to craft characters that are more likely closer to their historical counterparts as recent research has been lifting that veil of villainy that has long since shrouded both families.
I have to appreciate the cast of characters presented on the outset of the book because titles changed so often during this time period that I would have had trouble keeping them all straight.
While this book did not grab me from the first pages, it slowly began to grow on me. If you encounter this while reading, give it the chance to grow on you and you will appreciate the results.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
Regarding THE traitor, Jane Grey – I found it hard to connect with her in this novel. She isn’t one of the narrators, so we have to see her through the eyes of others, and you would think with two opposing narrators we would get a well-rounded view of her. She appears stand-offish and mostly one dimensional. When she meets her ultimate end, I did not feel too much for her. This is diametrically different from my outpouring of tears at the end of Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. I would have liked to have been given the chance to get to know her better in this novel.
This book casts a much more sympathetic light on the Dudley’s and the Grey’s than many other novels do. The relationship between Frances Grey and her daughter Jane is typically characterized as harsh with Frances coming out as an advancement grabbing woman. The Dudley’s, particularly John Dudley, the patriarch, are crafted as villains who are creating treasonous plots. As described in the author’s note, Higginbotham has tried to craft characters that are more likely closer to their historical counterparts as recent research has been lifting that veil of villainy that has long since shrouded both families.
I have to appreciate the cast of characters presented on the outset of the book because titles changed so often during this time period that I would have had trouble keeping them all straight.
While this book did not grab me from the first pages, it slowly began to grow on me. If you encounter this while reading, give it the chance to grow on you and you will appreciate the results.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
May 13, 2012
Susan Higginbotham does it again!
This is not the story of the nine-day Queen, Lady Jane Grey, but of her family, her husband Guildford Dudley’s family, and how they were affected by King Edward VI’s device for the succession. It is told from the points of view of Lady Jane Dudley and Lady Frances Grey, the mothers of the would-be ruling couple. Here the infamous Duke of Northumberland, John Dudley, becomes a devoted and attentive husband; he is a firm leader for England and peaceful about meeting his gruesome end. Lady Frances becomes not a mean, ambitious mother, but a woman who loved but could not relate to her intelligent teenage daughter, Jane.
The story begins with Henry VIII’s death and recaps all of the classic anecdotes from this time: Katherine Parr’s shocking remarriage and death, Lady Mary Tudor’s failed attempt to escape England and her imagined religious persecution, and the feud between Northumberland and Somerset, resulting in Somerset’s demise against the English population’s wishes – all leading up to Edward VI’s plans to make his Protestant cousin Jane the queen of England. But it also provides the stories behind the stories, told from the fresh perspectives of the mothers involved.
Along with historical accuracy, a swift-moving plot and little family details that any mother would remember and treasure, such as Lady Dudley’s talking parrot and Lady Grey’s dismay at her daughter’s surprising lack of common sense, the novel includes characterizations at which this author excels. She takes the infamous villains of history and presents them as relatable human characters.
This book at times made me smile and then cry with the tragedy. I very much recommend it.
My review courtesy of the Historical Novel Society.
This is not the story of the nine-day Queen, Lady Jane Grey, but of her family, her husband Guildford Dudley’s family, and how they were affected by King Edward VI’s device for the succession. It is told from the points of view of Lady Jane Dudley and Lady Frances Grey, the mothers of the would-be ruling couple. Here the infamous Duke of Northumberland, John Dudley, becomes a devoted and attentive husband; he is a firm leader for England and peaceful about meeting his gruesome end. Lady Frances becomes not a mean, ambitious mother, but a woman who loved but could not relate to her intelligent teenage daughter, Jane.
The story begins with Henry VIII’s death and recaps all of the classic anecdotes from this time: Katherine Parr’s shocking remarriage and death, Lady Mary Tudor’s failed attempt to escape England and her imagined religious persecution, and the feud between Northumberland and Somerset, resulting in Somerset’s demise against the English population’s wishes – all leading up to Edward VI’s plans to make his Protestant cousin Jane the queen of England. But it also provides the stories behind the stories, told from the fresh perspectives of the mothers involved.
Along with historical accuracy, a swift-moving plot and little family details that any mother would remember and treasure, such as Lady Dudley’s talking parrot and Lady Grey’s dismay at her daughter’s surprising lack of common sense, the novel includes characterizations at which this author excels. She takes the infamous villains of history and presents them as relatable human characters.
This book at times made me smile and then cry with the tragedy. I very much recommend it.
My review courtesy of the Historical Novel Society.
July 21, 2012
Jane Dudley and Francis Gray were not good choices as narrators. Or rather, they were not made into good narrators. Both women had no influence over the plot and merely summarized events that happened outside their homes. The reader learns of the story third-hand, as our narrators have to learn of events by way of letter or rumor before they can tell them to us. Neither woman takes any initiative in putting their children on the throne or even seem particularly interested in doing so. They just drift through the book, contributing nothing. We don't even get to hear about the politics and backstabbing, just about the *events.* From reading this book, you might think loyalties changed from Queen Jane to Queen Mary just because everyone thought it would be funny; certainly no other hint of a reason is given.
About the only thing to be said is that, while they contribute nothing good, they they contribute nothing bad, either. They are wholly unoffensive characters, although they could stand to offend a *little.*
The writing is decent, although Higginbotham has a few quirks that I'm sure she thinks are period-esque and refuses to get rid of. There's nothing seriously wrong with this book, and it's an enjoyable enough way to pass a few hours, but it's just sort of...there. A waste of what could have been an interesting angle to a fascinating period in history.
About the only thing to be said is that, while they contribute nothing good, they they contribute nothing bad, either. They are wholly unoffensive characters, although they could stand to offend a *little.*
The writing is decent, although Higginbotham has a few quirks that I'm sure she thinks are period-esque and refuses to get rid of. There's nothing seriously wrong with this book, and it's an enjoyable enough way to pass a few hours, but it's just sort of...there. A waste of what could have been an interesting angle to a fascinating period in history.
July 15, 2013
What an incomparable novel! Susan Higginbotham tells the story of Lady Jane Grey from the dual perspectives of her mother, Frances Grey neé Brandon, niece of Henry VIII, and Jane Dudley neé Guildford, wife of John Dudley Duke of Northumberland and mother in law to Jane Grey. Her Highness the Traitor blasts through all the baseless scandalous dregs to expose the hackneyed rumours and provide a realistic portrait of the Grey and Dudley families.
Higginbotham is quite obviously a meticulous researcher (one only has to read her blog where her research is revealed, her use of sources clearly shown, and her observations incisive), and her author’s note goes into what’s fact, what’s fiction, and why her portrayals may surprise some people. Smoothly written with a fluidity that I didn't even think about or notice as a reader, Her Highness the Traitor evocatively creates the Tudor world and immersed me in its rich pages.
Beyond the admirably impeccable research, frank discussion, and redemption of long unfairly maligned historical people, the real heart of this book is the characterisations. I most empathised with Jane Dudley, of the two narrators. Her warm family life and loving marriage felt simple and uncensored, and I identified with that uncomplicated happiness. Frances Grey was an engaging narrator too, but I just loved Jane Dudley’s warmth. I think Susan Higginbotham may be one of the few historical novelists who can actually do first person well, without blinkering the scope of the story or switching out to third person to show events which her narrators do not personally witness, or using other tricks such as the perennial messenger, psychic sixth sense, or the ‘As You Know Bob’ method.
I can tell that Higginbotham has put a tremendous amount of time and thought into this book, not just on the research but on lavishly creating this delightful story and doing justice by the characters that inhabit this world. I loved it.
10 out of 10
December 15, 2012
It has been way too long since I picked up any decent historical fiction, specifically from this era--which is sad, because I love Tudor period books. I just got a little burned out on them, I suppose, after the popularity of The Tudors and after the dozen or so Philippa Gregory books (which I love, just... yeah. Burned out.)
Anyway, I spent a few minutes reacquainting myself with the dozens of Janes, Marys, Catherines, Henrys, and Edwards in this period, and pushed on. This book is actually about Jane Grey, named queen for less than a month after Henry VIII's son, Edward VI, modified his father's will and changed the succession to exclude Mary and Elizabeth. As far as Tudor historical fiction, this seems to be a reasonably new subject, so congrats to the author for covering something that's NOT Henry VIII or one of his wives. Or Elizabeth. There are a ton of other Tudors in there (Edward, Jane Gray, Mary, other Mary; I've even read a pretty good one about one of Katherine of Aragon's sisters that's not technically a Tudor book but the same general era) that are just as fascinating.
And I actually enjoyed this book more than I expected to. The unfortunate thing was, all of the characters started to sound like the same voice after a while, and since they all have similar names (or the same name), it's kind of hard to keep them separate. The other thing I had a hard time swallowing was that EVERYONE in this book appeared to bleed innocence. It must have been really difficult to live in a time when no matter what you did, you were in danger of being beheaded; that makes it really hard to believe that none of the people who ended up being put to death (and there were a ton!) were truly 100% innocent of what they were accused.
Overall, though, this was enjoyable and well-researched, even though it took me a few days to get through.
Anyway, I spent a few minutes reacquainting myself with the dozens of Janes, Marys, Catherines, Henrys, and Edwards in this period, and pushed on. This book is actually about Jane Grey, named queen for less than a month after Henry VIII's son, Edward VI, modified his father's will and changed the succession to exclude Mary and Elizabeth. As far as Tudor historical fiction, this seems to be a reasonably new subject, so congrats to the author for covering something that's NOT Henry VIII or one of his wives. Or Elizabeth. There are a ton of other Tudors in there (Edward, Jane Gray, Mary, other Mary; I've even read a pretty good one about one of Katherine of Aragon's sisters that's not technically a Tudor book but the same general era) that are just as fascinating.
And I actually enjoyed this book more than I expected to. The unfortunate thing was, all of the characters started to sound like the same voice after a while, and since they all have similar names (or the same name), it's kind of hard to keep them separate. The other thing I had a hard time swallowing was that EVERYONE in this book appeared to bleed innocence. It must have been really difficult to live in a time when no matter what you did, you were in danger of being beheaded; that makes it really hard to believe that none of the people who ended up being put to death (and there were a ton!) were truly 100% innocent of what they were accused.
Overall, though, this was enjoyable and well-researched, even though it took me a few days to get through.
October 11, 2012
As the four star rating shows, I really liked this book. (and I was so happy to find it when I went to Bookman's last weekend!) I read it in a couple of days,& when I was done I was a bit sorry I had reached the end. It also made me even more eager to get my hands on the two books by Susan Higginbotham that I DON'T have yet.("Hugh & Bess" and "The Traitor's Wife") One of the things I liked about this book was that Ms. Higginbotham chose to write it from Jane & Guilford's mothers' points of view. The actions & motives of these women's husbands is always discussed,because those are the main reasons Jane & Guilford wind up meeting the fate that they do. But before this book, the thoughts,actions or deeds of these two women were usually ignored,or they were villified. It was refreshing not to see Frances Brandon-Grey depicted as a domineering,child-beating virago, for once. As for Jane Dudley,her feelings & actions during this tumultuous period have been almost totally ignored till now. Thank you, Susan Higginbotham, for giving voices to these women largely shuffled aside by writers of both non-fiction & fiction. THIS is what I read Historical fiction for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2012
Susan Higginbotham has done it again…she’s written an amazing book telling the story of Lady Jane Grey from the point of view of her mother. Frances Grey is often demonized in historical fiction and in film, so it is truly refreshing to find a novel that deals with her as a human being. As always, Susan breathes life into the past. Check out this novel…if you place yourself in Susan’s capable hands, you will not be disappointed.
October 10, 2014
Susan Higginbotham has given new voice to these women who have been dead for centuries...especially Jane Dudley whose words still ring true to more modern ears listening at such a distance from medieval England...a great read from Ms. Higginbotham...
May 7, 2012
Originally published at http://crickhollowbooks.com.au/blog/2...
The story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Day Queen, and her tragic end, often overshadows the story of her mother Frances and mother-in-law Jane Dudley. In the same year the two women lost both husbands and children and had to summon the strength to go on, struggling to keep the remains of their families’ intact while at the mercy of the very Crown who tore their families asunder.
Susan Higginbotham’s portrayal of these two women demands the attention they deserve, two mothers trying to raise their families in a turbulent political climate as their husbands gain power in one of the most dangerous and treacherous courts in Europe. There are a lot of traditional views of the people surrounding Jane Grey, the power-hungry, manipulative and abusive parents, the ambitious Dudley’s and their weak and selfish son. The author casts aside these conventions and brings us a richly detailed account of the events of 1547-1555 through the eyes of two women at the centre of it all.
There are no one-dimensional characters that fade quietly into the background of Jane Grey’s story here.
Jane Dudley’s portrayal as a happily-married mother to a large brood of children is a touching and personal account of a woman slightly ill at ease with all the pomp of court and fiercely devoted to her large family. Her husband, John Dudley, is introduced at the beginning of the book in the aftermath of the execution of his father, Edmund Dudley, just as soon as Henry VIII came to the throne. John becomes a ward of Jane’s family and they grow up together. We watch their relationship grow and strengthen with the birth of children and John’s rise through Henry VIII’s court to Duke and Northumberland at Edward VI’s court. Accompanied by a detailed account of their relationship with the Somersets, Edward and Anne Seymour, the story follows the rise of their families to great power and both men’s tragic demise at the hands of their peers.
In contrast, Frances Brandon, the daughter of Henry VIII’s sister Mary Tudor and his best friend Charles Brandon, is more than comfortable being close to the Crown, and has a somewhat less fulfilling relationship with her husband and eldest daughter Jane. Jane is presented here in a more realistic fashion than is usual, a headstrong and fiercely intellectual teenager with a rebellious streak, coupled with the arrogance and romanticism of youth and all the overzealousness of someone introduced to a new religion and new learning. It is an interesting portrayal, one in which she scorns her mother for being unable to match her in learning. Being emotionally and intellectually closer to her father causes an uneasy relationship between mother and daughter. Frances is presented as a vulnerable woman, often feeling left out in the cold, this planting the seeds for her relationship with Adrian Stokes, her husband’s Master of the Horse and future-husband until her death.
The women are the key players in this tale, Jane Dudley, Frances Brandon, Anne Somerset, Catherine Willoughby, and through the eyes of these mothers and wives and daughters we see the real peril of being close to the crown and the true cost of ambition. Extensive Author Notes on sources and a bibliography will satisfy both historical fiction and history fans alike. Flawless, compelling storytelling.
The story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Day Queen, and her tragic end, often overshadows the story of her mother Frances and mother-in-law Jane Dudley. In the same year the two women lost both husbands and children and had to summon the strength to go on, struggling to keep the remains of their families’ intact while at the mercy of the very Crown who tore their families asunder.
Susan Higginbotham’s portrayal of these two women demands the attention they deserve, two mothers trying to raise their families in a turbulent political climate as their husbands gain power in one of the most dangerous and treacherous courts in Europe. There are a lot of traditional views of the people surrounding Jane Grey, the power-hungry, manipulative and abusive parents, the ambitious Dudley’s and their weak and selfish son. The author casts aside these conventions and brings us a richly detailed account of the events of 1547-1555 through the eyes of two women at the centre of it all.
There are no one-dimensional characters that fade quietly into the background of Jane Grey’s story here.
Jane Dudley’s portrayal as a happily-married mother to a large brood of children is a touching and personal account of a woman slightly ill at ease with all the pomp of court and fiercely devoted to her large family. Her husband, John Dudley, is introduced at the beginning of the book in the aftermath of the execution of his father, Edmund Dudley, just as soon as Henry VIII came to the throne. John becomes a ward of Jane’s family and they grow up together. We watch their relationship grow and strengthen with the birth of children and John’s rise through Henry VIII’s court to Duke and Northumberland at Edward VI’s court. Accompanied by a detailed account of their relationship with the Somersets, Edward and Anne Seymour, the story follows the rise of their families to great power and both men’s tragic demise at the hands of their peers.
In contrast, Frances Brandon, the daughter of Henry VIII’s sister Mary Tudor and his best friend Charles Brandon, is more than comfortable being close to the Crown, and has a somewhat less fulfilling relationship with her husband and eldest daughter Jane. Jane is presented here in a more realistic fashion than is usual, a headstrong and fiercely intellectual teenager with a rebellious streak, coupled with the arrogance and romanticism of youth and all the overzealousness of someone introduced to a new religion and new learning. It is an interesting portrayal, one in which she scorns her mother for being unable to match her in learning. Being emotionally and intellectually closer to her father causes an uneasy relationship between mother and daughter. Frances is presented as a vulnerable woman, often feeling left out in the cold, this planting the seeds for her relationship with Adrian Stokes, her husband’s Master of the Horse and future-husband until her death.
The women are the key players in this tale, Jane Dudley, Frances Brandon, Anne Somerset, Catherine Willoughby, and through the eyes of these mothers and wives and daughters we see the real peril of being close to the crown and the true cost of ambition. Extensive Author Notes on sources and a bibliography will satisfy both historical fiction and history fans alike. Flawless, compelling storytelling.
July 18, 2012
"The Tudor Story You Don't Know"
Or, at least that's what it says on the cover. Except that any Tudorphile who knows anything knows something (plenty) about the Nine Days Queen.
Most people that read Historical Fiction don't necessarily do so to LEARN something. They read to confirm their knowledge, or to argue against someone's research, or just for entertainment - but almost all of them already know the stories they are reading. The challenge for the Historical Fiction author, then, is to keep this (admittedly difficult) audience entertained enough that the fact that they already know the ending to the story ceases to matter.
Susan Higginbotham takes the traditional story of Jane Grey and turns it upside down.
Everything - EVERYTHING - I've ever read about Jane has given her at least one greedy, grasping, ambitious and abusive parent. Usually it's her mother, Francis, but sometimes her father, too.
Most of what I've read about Guildford makes the Dudley's almost as greedy, grasping and ambitious as the Greys.
Most of what I've read about poor Edward VI puts him at least partially under the influence of his advisers, most importantly John Dudley, when the change to the succession was made.
Higginbotham takes most of the responsibility and ALL of the blame for the debacle that cost two teenagers their life at the block and lays it squarely on the shoulders of those teenagers.
Edward is so concerned over the religious future of England that he secretly changes the succession. Jane is somewhat reluctant to take the crown, but determined to be a good queen and to rule in her own right. Guildford is looks forward to a life as King Consort and supports the lady Janes ascent with gusto.
Their mothers, for the most part, only watch helplessly as they spiral toward destruction.
I had a bit of trouble with this scenario in the beginning.
Now, I don't think Frances Grey was the dragon that she's often been made out to be, and I don't think John Dudley was (quite) the snake he's been made out to be, but to remove all blame from them seemed counter intuitive. After all, this was 16th century. Children were not quite as willful or independent as they are today.
But then it occurred to be that in the 16th century people aged 16 and 17 weren't quite children.
They were married and often had a child on the way. They very often were in charge of their own lives.
I ended up really enjoying the portrayal of both mothers. Joan Dudley was so devoted to her husband and children, and Francis Grey was quite content to live a simple life far from the throne. The authors note at the end of the book helped me believe that Higginbothams version of events was quite plausible.
As always, her writing is superb and her story telling is engaging. I'd rate this one a very high 3 stars.
Or, at least that's what it says on the cover. Except that any Tudorphile who knows anything knows something (plenty) about the Nine Days Queen.
Most people that read Historical Fiction don't necessarily do so to LEARN something. They read to confirm their knowledge, or to argue against someone's research, or just for entertainment - but almost all of them already know the stories they are reading. The challenge for the Historical Fiction author, then, is to keep this (admittedly difficult) audience entertained enough that the fact that they already know the ending to the story ceases to matter.
Susan Higginbotham takes the traditional story of Jane Grey and turns it upside down.
Everything - EVERYTHING - I've ever read about Jane has given her at least one greedy, grasping, ambitious and abusive parent. Usually it's her mother, Francis, but sometimes her father, too.
Most of what I've read about Guildford makes the Dudley's almost as greedy, grasping and ambitious as the Greys.
Most of what I've read about poor Edward VI puts him at least partially under the influence of his advisers, most importantly John Dudley, when the change to the succession was made.
Higginbotham takes most of the responsibility and ALL of the blame for the debacle that cost two teenagers their life at the block and lays it squarely on the shoulders of those teenagers.
Edward is so concerned over the religious future of England that he secretly changes the succession. Jane is somewhat reluctant to take the crown, but determined to be a good queen and to rule in her own right. Guildford is looks forward to a life as King Consort and supports the lady Janes ascent with gusto.
Their mothers, for the most part, only watch helplessly as they spiral toward destruction.
I had a bit of trouble with this scenario in the beginning.
Now, I don't think Frances Grey was the dragon that she's often been made out to be, and I don't think John Dudley was (quite) the snake he's been made out to be, but to remove all blame from them seemed counter intuitive. After all, this was 16th century. Children were not quite as willful or independent as they are today.
But then it occurred to be that in the 16th century people aged 16 and 17 weren't quite children.
They were married and often had a child on the way. They very often were in charge of their own lives.
I ended up really enjoying the portrayal of both mothers. Joan Dudley was so devoted to her husband and children, and Francis Grey was quite content to live a simple life far from the throne. The authors note at the end of the book helped me believe that Higginbothams version of events was quite plausible.
As always, her writing is superb and her story telling is engaging. I'd rate this one a very high 3 stars.
December 19, 2014
Her Highness, the Traitor is set during the reigns of Edward VI of England and Mary I of England, and tells the stories of the lives of the Grey and Dudley families. The story is told from the point of view of the mothers of Lady Jane Grey and her husband, Guildford; Frances Grey and Jane Dudley. We see the rise and fall of the dukes of Suffolk and Northumberland and their families from beginning to end, and the rebuilding of the lives of the people they left behind.
The story is told in alternating points of view, switching from Jane Dudley to Frances Brandon. The switching points of view gives the reader a good, well rounded view of events taking place, from each family’s perspective. The switches are not confusing, as each chapter is headed with who is taking their turn to tell the story and the dates they are remembering. The story flows beautifully, and reads easily.
The events described in the novel have clearly been researched meticulously by Susan. The details are wonderful; from the execution speeches and letters to the carvings in the wall of Beauchamp Tower. The historical record has been stuck to faithfully and where Susan has had to fill in the gaps, she has done so with a realistic approach. Nothing is far fetched, silly or unlikely to have happened. Susan clearly states in her Author’s Note at the back of the novel where she has had to fill in the gaps, and why she chose the paths she took when doing so.
I very much enjoyed Susan’s characterisations in Her Highness, the Traitor. Rather than sticking to the Frances Brandon and John Dudley BAD that we usually see, she has chosen to portray her characters in a much more original and human way. Her Jane Grey is no tragic victim; so refreshing to read, as I was never entirely convinced she was one! Getting to know Susan’s versions of these famous historical figures was a wonderful experience.
Her Highness, the Traitor is an excellent historical novel. A must – read for all historical fiction fans.
May 5, 2012
I thought that I knew the story of Lady Jane, the nine-days-queen whose brief rule followed that of her sickly cousin’s, Edward VI. In Her Highness, the Traitor, Susan Higginbotham challenges the long-held assumptions popular history has passed down about the major players in this tragic interlude in Tudor history. Was Frances Grey really an unloving tyrant of a mother? Was her daughter, Jane Grey, truly a pious and innocent martyr? How could Jane Dudley love her self-serving and fiercely ambitious husband, the villainous Duke of Northumberland? After reading this page-turning novel, you will be forced to re-examine all of your currently held beliefs about the Grey and Dudley families.
Whereas most novels about Jane Grey are told from her point of view, Higginbotham adds an interesting twist to the story by using alternating points of view from the two mothers: Jane Dudley and Frances Grey. Much more than just a history lesson, this book brings the characters to life and makes them wonderfully three-dimensional. So many times, historical fiction can reduce the figures of history to mere cardboard stand-ups; I never felt that lack of connection while reading this novel. I laughed, cried, and sympathized with these two women, who have never been given a chance to redeem their perhaps unfair reputations. When the events are told from their two points of view, things look entirely different. Maybe Jane Grey wasn’t as saintly as she has been portrayed. What if she was really more rebellious teenager and irritating pedant than martyr?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical fiction or English history. I think it will also appeal to young adults, and there is nothing particularly offensive in the novel (all of the marital relations are decidedly PG). It will keep you turning pages until the bittersweet final page… and even leave you hoping that the ending will turn out differently than you know it must.
Whereas most novels about Jane Grey are told from her point of view, Higginbotham adds an interesting twist to the story by using alternating points of view from the two mothers: Jane Dudley and Frances Grey. Much more than just a history lesson, this book brings the characters to life and makes them wonderfully three-dimensional. So many times, historical fiction can reduce the figures of history to mere cardboard stand-ups; I never felt that lack of connection while reading this novel. I laughed, cried, and sympathized with these two women, who have never been given a chance to redeem their perhaps unfair reputations. When the events are told from their two points of view, things look entirely different. Maybe Jane Grey wasn’t as saintly as she has been portrayed. What if she was really more rebellious teenager and irritating pedant than martyr?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical fiction or English history. I think it will also appeal to young adults, and there is nothing particularly offensive in the novel (all of the marital relations are decidedly PG). It will keep you turning pages until the bittersweet final page… and even leave you hoping that the ending will turn out differently than you know it must.
March 13, 2013
Before I start my review, I should say that I know way more about Tudor history than is good for me. I think partly what I like about Susan's medieval fiction is that the stories are so fascinating to me - because I'm not as familiar with a lot of the history.
For this one, I found some of the historical backstory to be a bit tedious since I already knew, for instance, that Mary Tudor suffered greatly after Henry discarded her mother, or that Frances Grey's mother was Henry VIII's sister who was a Queen of France.
But what I found more difficult was the switching of narration, between Frances Grey and Jane Dudley. Part of this is also because Frances' daughter is named Jane (Grey), so if I picked up the book after a day or two of not reading, I was always confused. And not so much confused about whose part I was reading, but rather I would confused personalities.
Jane Dudley and Frances Grey are written a bit similarly, in my opinion, making it hard to distinguish each woman's character. Part of this might have been intentional, as the two women did go through much the same ordeal in a way (and I do think it was clever for Susan to choose these two women in particular to write about).
One character I really did enjoy though was Jane Grey. I thought Susan portrayed her in a fresh way, and based on my own reading about Jane (though there is very little research to go off of), I think she was spot on. The kind of know-it-all behavior makes perfect sense to me, and I found it refreshing to read a portrayal of her that wasn't overly sympathetic.
Despite some of the confusion I felt while reading, I did still enjoy the novel, and it was still the sort of book that was hard for me to put down (in fact I read it in a matter of days). And despite my knowledge of the Tudor period, I do hope Susan does more novels from this era, if only to erase some of the other horrible ones that exist out there (ahem cough Philippa Gregory).
For this one, I found some of the historical backstory to be a bit tedious since I already knew, for instance, that Mary Tudor suffered greatly after Henry discarded her mother, or that Frances Grey's mother was Henry VIII's sister who was a Queen of France.
But what I found more difficult was the switching of narration, between Frances Grey and Jane Dudley. Part of this is also because Frances' daughter is named Jane (Grey), so if I picked up the book after a day or two of not reading, I was always confused. And not so much confused about whose part I was reading, but rather I would confused personalities.
Jane Dudley and Frances Grey are written a bit similarly, in my opinion, making it hard to distinguish each woman's character. Part of this might have been intentional, as the two women did go through much the same ordeal in a way (and I do think it was clever for Susan to choose these two women in particular to write about).
One character I really did enjoy though was Jane Grey. I thought Susan portrayed her in a fresh way, and based on my own reading about Jane (though there is very little research to go off of), I think she was spot on. The kind of know-it-all behavior makes perfect sense to me, and I found it refreshing to read a portrayal of her that wasn't overly sympathetic.
Despite some of the confusion I felt while reading, I did still enjoy the novel, and it was still the sort of book that was hard for me to put down (in fact I read it in a matter of days). And despite my knowledge of the Tudor period, I do hope Susan does more novels from this era, if only to erase some of the other horrible ones that exist out there (ahem cough Philippa Gregory).
August 27, 2012
As many of my friends, both here on goodreads, on Facebook and in real life know, I'm a sucker for historical fiction. Well, good historical fiction. Although I enjoy reading a good non-fiction book as much as the next history enthusiast, I enjoy good fiction equally. This is because I love to cuddle up and lose myself in the story. Be transported back to the time and experience the sounds, sights and smells of history.
This novel did not disappoint me in my addiction for good historical fiction. The story was there, the details, the well developed characters. This book is everything I love. I particularly like the way the author hasn't bowed to the age old reputations/stereotypes of the main characters involved. It's refreshing to see Northumberland as a reasonable, family man and Frances Brandon not a greedy, mean and wicked mother but a genuine person of noble birth who loves her family and wants the best for her daughters. Jane isn't portrayed as a helpless victim and Guildford certainly isn't the spoilt, greedy little boy we often hear of.
Where the author has taken liberties with the truth, it is clearly stated in the authors note at the end. She has stuck mostly to the actual details of history, perhaps just filling in minor details where gaps appear in the story. This is so important for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in 16th century history.
August 9, 2018
I admit I wasn't looking forward to reading another story about Jane Grey. Much of what I have read about her depicts her as a stubborn idealistic brat, and parents ruthless and unloving. Susan Higginbotham's true talent in her writing is her ability to weave together all the principal characters and depict them with their own points of view. This technique is tremendously successful in eliciting empathy for even the most hated in history; the Duke of Northumberland, for example, and even Frances Grey, who has suffered many damning accounts written of her. What I found the most interesting was that I couldn't find a single person to blame after reading everyone's accounts other than Edward VI himself whose notion to dismiss the Act of Succession was the entire reason for the fall of the Suffolks and Northumberlands. His grave error was that he did not anticipate his sister's popularity, the rush of London’s support, and namely, the Earl of Arundel's loyalty. After all of these beheadings and burnings with husbands, bishops, clerics, sons, and a daughter lost, I am sure the remaining few family members regretted their ambition, although in their eyes, they were just following the wishes of their dying king. Higginbotham excels in her humanizing depiction of this time.
November 18, 2015
Her Highness, the Traitor by Susan Higginbotham
3 Stars
Anyone who follows Tudor history history knows the story of Jane Gray, who at age 17 ascended to the throne of England for nine days when opponents of Mary, out of fear of forcibly returning to the Catholic religion, made a case that Edward had recognized Jane on his deathbed as the true heir to the throne in his will.
Most historical fiction paints Jane's parents as the ambitious couple seeking to rise in rank and power by placing their daughter on the throne. Higginbotham takes a different approach. She paints the Duke of Northumberland as a dedicated servant to the late king Edward and Jane Dudley as a devoted mother and wife and chooses the seventeen year old girl as the power hungry instigator.
I admire Higginbotham's talent. She's has an engaging writing style and provides excellent notes with evidence on how she draws her conclusion. However, this perspective just didn't work for me. Yes, all the literature points to Jane as an extremely intelligent young woman. She may have had her eyes on the throne, but I just couldn't buy into the angle that the Duke's intentions were pure.
3 Stars
Anyone who follows Tudor history history knows the story of Jane Gray, who at age 17 ascended to the throne of England for nine days when opponents of Mary, out of fear of forcibly returning to the Catholic religion, made a case that Edward had recognized Jane on his deathbed as the true heir to the throne in his will.
Most historical fiction paints Jane's parents as the ambitious couple seeking to rise in rank and power by placing their daughter on the throne. Higginbotham takes a different approach. She paints the Duke of Northumberland as a dedicated servant to the late king Edward and Jane Dudley as a devoted mother and wife and chooses the seventeen year old girl as the power hungry instigator.
I admire Higginbotham's talent. She's has an engaging writing style and provides excellent notes with evidence on how she draws her conclusion. However, this perspective just didn't work for me. Yes, all the literature points to Jane as an extremely intelligent young woman. She may have had her eyes on the throne, but I just couldn't buy into the angle that the Duke's intentions were pure.
August 11, 2016
Heads fell while Henry VIII ruled. His son Edward inherited the throne at the age of nine and more heads fell as men around the young king sought power. Edward died having made a new will making his cousin Jane Grey queen. England wanted Henry's direct heir on the throne. More heads fell when Henry's daughter, Mary put down the plots against her and immediately decided to marry Phillip Of Spain which led to another rebellion. Until then Jane had thought she was safe as she was only sixteen and had obeyed the wishes of her parents. Although Mary could not prove her sister, Elizabeth was implicated in the plot, she was sent to the tower and Jane and her brothers, except for Robert and Jerome Dudley were sent to the block.
I had read another book about Jane Grey but I liked this one far better. The characters came across as more human, convinced they were doing the right thing in following King Edward's will. Jane, a mere teenager who loves her books and learning is more bewildered than anything else.
I had read another book about Jane Grey but I liked this one far better. The characters came across as more human, convinced they were doing the right thing in following King Edward's will. Jane, a mere teenager who loves her books and learning is more bewildered than anything else.
March 1, 2015
A fresh approach on the Jane Grey and Guilford Dudley story, the tragic figures who were put on the throne through no fault of their own. Nine days later, Jane was stripped of the crown, and later, both were subsequently beheaded. What I liked about this novel is that it's told from the POV of Jane Grey's mother (Frances Grey), and Guilford's mother (Jane Dudley), who watched helplessly as their husbands used their children to unsuccessfully secure England's throne. Author Susan Higginbotham has written an amazingly entertaining historical novel, one that is well-researched and a fascinating read.
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