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The fictional narrator, Richard Stoker, is about sixteen years old when an unexpected spring storm provides him with the opportunity to save the three Grey sisters – Jane, Catherine and Mary. In order to show their appreciation, the girls parents offer Richard a position in their household. A younger son with few prospects, he eagerly accepts. Over the next few months, Richard proves himself honest, hard-working and loyal and gradually becomes a personal assistant to Henry Grey. This places him in a position to begin to understand much of what is going on in the battle for control of the young king and later, in the battle over the succession. With an aptitude for learning he also gains some limited access to Jane’s tutors. But it is perhaps Jane herself who makes the deepest and most lasting impression on Richard.
I liked the idea of seeing this story through the eyes of a young man rather than the typical courtier or lady-in-waiting, and that perspective brought a fresh approach to the sad story of Lady Jane. There were however some problems. The first person narration created its usual issues – limited insight into what motivates the other characters and the often overly convenient “right-place-at-the-right-time” situation so that important facts of the story can be told. Richard is the kind of young man you would want your daughter to marry – charming, chivalrous, humble, respectful, protective and, just a little too perfect . I’m also not sure I totally bought into the relative ease by which he was accepted into the family.
Early on, Richard’s main source of information into the workings and personalities of the family is Mary who is a bit too precocious and insightful for a six year old. Richard and the middle daughter, Catherine, are instantly attracted to each other and develop a close relationship and at times it is their communication that enables Richard to know what is going on back at the family home when he is at court with Duke Henry. Recognizing Richard’s eagerness to learn, Jane engages in numerous dialogues with him regarding the reformed religion and her philosophical leanings and based on her passion for what she believes in, Richard becomes a believer as well. But as he begins to understand the plan being spun for Jane he says nothing to her – and later feels guilty for it.
A couple of times, especially following Mary’s acclamation as queen and Jane’s time in the tower, it is obvious that the author uses accounts of things said by Jane in her dialogue with others. The problem with this is that they seem to retain something close to the original language which contrasts sharply with the overall writing style of the book and are rather jarring and out of place. Although a little hard to get into at first, overall I enjoyed this look at Jane’s life even if some of it seemed rather unlikely.
Wouldn't the world be a better place: “A thirst for knowledge is better than a hunger for power.” Richard’s mentor before Richard starts his new employment with the Greys.
No trespassing: “You are fishing in someone else’s stream Richard, and its private fishing.” John Aylmer to Richard on his obvious attraction to Catherine.
In case the FTC asks: This book came from Paperback Swap.
Hadn't heard of this one before - thanks for a great review! It sounds good although I think the storm thing is a bit contrived - I think young men did still serve in other noble households in the 16th century, so the author could have got his narrator into the Grey household without much difficulty.
Also interesting that this is a male author writing this type of book.
September 12, 2010 12:22 PM