Lady Jane Grey was queen of England for less than two weeks, after the death of Henry VIII's son Edward and before his eldest daughter Mary Tudor claimed the throne. Queen Mary imprisoned Lady Jane and her husband, Lord Guildford Dudley, for several months, before finally ordering their execution. They were both teenagers.

THE LADY OF MISRULE tells their tragic story through the observations of another teenager, Elizabeth Tilney, procured to serve as attendant to the fallen queen. The girls couldn't be more different. Lady Jane is strong in her religious beliefs and her desire to change the world. Elizabeth is moody and willful; she volunteers to serve Jane in the Tower of London, because she wants to escape her father's home.

The girls have nothing in common and barely speak to each other. Jane reads and writes while Elizabeth stares out the window. Protestant Jane fears a return to the old ways, with Catholic Mary on the throne. Elizabeth has her own problems, wrought by an affair with an older family friend. In telling the story, Elizabeth focuses more on her own angst than the affairs of state.

In THE LADY OF MISRULE, author Suzannah Dunn reminds us that Jane is a teenager, albeit a smart, serious-minded one. Self-absorbed Elizabeth provides a striking contrast to the girl who would willingly face an executioner rather than accept the Catholic faith. The narrative provides some insight into Jane's beliefs and the turbulence of the time.

THE LADY OF MISRULE could serve as an introduction to Tudor history, especially for mature younger readers; I must point out the use of strong language, frank discussion of sex, and the graphic description of a miscarriage as a consideration for parents.