NINE DAYS A QUEEN

Writing in whiny first person (although she was beheaded at 16, after all), Rinaldi tells the tale of Lady Jane Grey, a pawn in the machinations of her parents and others to keep the throne of England from falling into the hands of Catholic Mary after the death of young Edward, son of Henry VIII. Jane is shuttled from court to noble house, escaping her own home often as was the custom, although kept with tutors and attendants. She was well-educated and aware of the complexities of her position. An author’s note insists that the “historical line of events” is true, but there are annoying lapses into contemporary language and concepts, and while Rinaldi mentions the number of Protestants burned under Mary, she doesn’t mention the number of Catholics put to death under Elizabeth. Readers hungry for historical drama may take to this, but it lacks warmth, energy, passion, or resonance. (Historical fiction. 10-14)