The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey by Leanda de Lisle

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this nonfiction account, de Lisle argues that Lady Jane Grey, whose reign as "Nine Day Queen" during the Tudor dynasty ended in her execution, has received an undeserved negative connotation in history. Often described as cold, cunning and thirsting for power, Jane was nothing like that, according to de Lisle; rather, Jane was a victim of circumstances in a time of uncertainty involving the line of succession for the English monarchy. Her sisters, though not executed, also suffered tragic lives. De Lisle shows readers what life was like for those close to the English monarchy during the reign of Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. She includes family trees of all parties involved in the Grey sisters' lives, allowing readers to make connections between families mentioned throughout the book.

This book provides an interesting look at a part of English history that does not receive much attention in the classroom. I was unfamiliar with the Grey sisters' story until I read this book. I found de Lisle's arguments to be compelling and her narrative to be very easy to read.

Anyone with an interest in Tudor history or a history of England should read this book.

Reviewed by Jessica