What is it about the English Royals that has us so fascinated? Is it the intrigue, the murders and alleged murders, the fights for the throne? I can think of few other eras of history more rife with conflict than England during the time of King Henry the Eight and the surrounding eras.
Ann Rinaldi’s young adult historical novel, “Nine Days a Queen,” is the story of Lady Jane Gray, who was literally the Queen of England for a mere nine days. I’ve heard her name, but I didn’t know much about her until reading this book.
Jane was raised by a cruel and abusive mother who never was pleased with anything Jane did. Jane had the opportunity to go live with Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry the Eight who was put aside when he chose to marry Anne Boleyn. Catherine was kind to Jane and treated her much as a mother ought, which made Jane very happy.
As a child, Jane often played with the children of King Henry – Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth. Edward was first in line to the throne, then Mary, and then Elizabeth, but as a relative, Jane had a small claim as well. She never aspired to the throne, however, knowing that others came before her, and she felt that they deserved it more than she did.
Imagine her surprise, then, when Edward died and named her, Jane, his successor in his will. Jane’s mother grasped at the chance and saw to it that her daughter was placed on the throne, but the rights of succession truly belonged to Mary, who rallied her followers and displaced Jane after nine days. Jane was locked in the Tower of London, but was given every reason to believe that she would be pardoned, but instead, was beheaded. The most amazing thing is that she was only in her mid-teens when this happened.
Ann Rinaldi’s careful research gives us an earnest girl who only desired the best for her country and was bewildered when placed on the throne. She never meant to “steal” the crown, as Mary believed. I appreciated this well-written glimpse into the lives of those associated with King Henry and feel as though I understand Lady Jane just a bit better and her place in history.
(This book was published in 2005 by HarperCollins.)
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