The book tells the story of Lady Jane Grey from about the age of 10 to her execution at 17, with all the familiar characters and events. In her brief author's note Deborah Meroff states that she believes that one cannot improve on the dramatic force of what actually occured, therefore she chose to adhere closely to the known historical facts, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree if, and I believe she succeeded on that count. I liked that Jane wasn't cast as either the helpless victim (as is so often the case) nor the ursurping villian (as has become fashionable lately); instead, Meroff gives us a young girl at the very beginning of her adult life, with strengths and flaws like everyone else, but in a situation like no-one else. While Jane's character development was good, the same can't be said for a lot of other characters; e.g. Frances Brandon got the usual stereotypical treatment as the abusive cold-hearted mother without any redeeming features whatsoever, who only had her eye on the throne. Overall, I think it's a shame this book is long out of print; it's a good version of a story that continues to fascinate. ( )

4.5 stars

Lady Jane Grey was 16 years old when she, somewhat reluctantly, accepted the crown as the new Queen of England after her cousin Edward VI (Henry VIII's only boy) died. Edward placed her in succession ahead of his sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, and ahead of Jane's mother (Henry's sister's daughter). Jane was queen for only nine days.

This fictional account of her life shows Jane as someone who always wanted, but never seemed to attain, her mother's approval. For part of her life, Jane grew up alongside Elizabeth, in the household of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's widow, and Thomas Seymour, Catherine's new husband and Jane's guardian. In this novel, Jane does fall in love before she is married to another man. Jane was blindsided when, after Edward died, her family, her new husband's family, and those in power wanted to proclaim her queen.

Jane has always been my favourite Tudor; her story is so tragic that I am in tears every time I read something about her, even though I know the outcome. So, no surprise that I really liked this book. I liked the entire book, and I did enjoy the love story before her marriage, but the book really picked up for me after she got married. ( )