Treason

by Berlie Doherty

Will Montague is a page to Prince Edward, son of King Henry VIII. As the King's favourite, Will gains many enemies in Court. His enemies convince the King that Will's father has committed treason and he is thrown into Newgate Prison. Will flees Hampton Court and goes into hiding in the back streets of London. Lost and in mortal danger, he is rescued by a poor boy, Nick Drew. Together they must brave imprisonment and death as they embark on a great adventure to set Will's father free. Interest Age: 9+

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, School, Middle Grade, Novels, Christian Fiction, Young Adult

Audio CD

First published February 3, 2011

About the author

Berlie Doherty née Hollingsworth is an English novelist, poet, playwright and screenwriter. She is best known for children's books, for which she has twice won the Carnegie Medal.She has also written novels for adults, plays for theatre and radio, television series and libretti for children's opera.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Berlie Doherty's 2012 Carnegie Medal nominee young adult historical fiction novel Treason takes place in 1539, during the reign of Henry VIII (right after the death in childbirth of Henry VIII third wife Jane Seymour), with main protagonist William Montague (after the accidental drowning death of his older brother Matthew and his distraught father leaving home) getting what at first seems to William a dream career opportunity at court, as page to Henry VIII’s infant son, Prince Edward, but soon finding himself in disgrace and his father arrested for being Catholic, with escape and then disappearing on the streets of London being considered as the only option.

And as far as Berlie Doherty in Treason textually capturing the feel of 16th century England, both at Henry VIII court and later also on the streets of London, yes and in my humble opinion, Doherty's account of William Montague's trials and tribulations feels authentic and realistic, and with the first person narrative also making us as readers consider William (or rather Will) as someone we might in fact personally want to know and be acquainted with in real life, presenting himself as both realistic and personable. With nicely and realistically drawn characters, in particular the bloated, ageing, and quick to lose his volatile temper Henry, the ambitious and arrogant Aunt Carew, the sympathetically portrayed Anne of Cleeves and with Will being a wonderfully realistic young hero, there is much that indeed is absolutely delightful in Treason and I do wish that I could give more than a three star rating.

But sadly, there is one huge and problematic textual issue present in Treason that just does not make sense to me on an academic and historical level, and this namely being that considering Will's Aunt Carew is depicted by Berlie Doherty as Protestant and Will's family as having remained Catholic when Henry VIII broke with Rome (and that being Catholic is considered traitorous and that even supporting someone remaining Catholic is considered anathema to both Henry VIII and to his spies) it just does not feel all that logical and believable that a family as ambitious and striving relentlessly for political advancement as the Protestant Carews would be shown as obtaining for their Catholic nephew a position, a career at court (as that would definitely be a huge risk not only for Will but indeed and realistically speaking equally for them). And yes, having Berlie Doherty do precisely this in Treason, it not only makes me shake my head in disbelief, it also makes me kind of wonder if the author has the Montagues be Catholic for some kind of plot device, some kind of narrative tool to move the text along and to precipitate conflict and crisis (but in a not all that believable a manner if one actually knows Tudor era British history, oh and also, well, during the reign of Henry VIII, the monarch would be addressed with "Your Grace" and not "Your Majesty" as the latter only started with the Stuarts, with James I).

[Quinn Coombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ive ever read

[-ˏˋmori ˊˎ- · Rating 3 out of 5]

i mean not bad for a book i had to teach to a sixth grader, it was very fascinating learning about the tudor era and the religious conflict between the protestants and catholics- being beheaded for treason FOR JUST BEING A CATHOLIC???

king henry the 8th, you were livid.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is amazing and I absolutely loved it! I think it’s great for tweens or early teenagers.

[Elliott Trickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I began reading this book and it took a long time to get into. However, after I finished it, I enjoyed reading it. Treason is a book about the main character Will in the Tudor period, during Henry VIII's rule. When his father goes to work in King Henry's court, Will is asked to be the page to the future king:
Prince Edward. But, things take a turn for the worse when Will's dad is found to have committed treason against his majesty for believing that the Pope is head of the Church and not King Henry. Because of that, Wil goes on the run and tries to bring justice to his father. On the way, he'll meet a friend who will help him on his arduous adventure. Will he bring his dad to justice? I enjoyed reading the book because it was all about history and the way it was set was really authentic and well written. The characters were also written nicely and all seemed of the time. In my opinion, the plot was good but it could've focused more on the adventure and less of developing the story. In conclusion, I really liked this book and I think it is a great historical fiction book - especially if you are interested in the tudors.

[Theo Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my year 6 class on my first placement (SBC 1) it was a fantastic book with lots of great characters set in the Tudor times giving me and the class a real feel for what life was like back then allowing them to get a real understanding of formal and informal language from the different characters as well.

[Ebony Class · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treason is a amazing book it’s very adventurous and funny but some of it can be sad at some times.For people who love history I would recommend this book to people who love adventures and history. Likey

[Varsha Seshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/trea...

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Will Montague royal page to Prince Edward and wills devotion to his father who’s been wrongly imprisoned for his beliefs.......tissues required

[Kathryn Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midway through reading this! This is our book for English this half term! Loving it so far!

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it . It’s one of my favourite books the ending was such a twist

[Wendy Leveret · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Treason’, by Berlie Doherty, is a wonderful, well-written story and she once again succeeds in producing a book that, along with being entertaining, has much to offer younger readers in terms of learning about history.

In this delightful novel, the author weaves an intriguing story around key historical events that occurred during Henry VIII’s reign, perceived from the point of view of a court member whose family fall foul of the Reformation.

She cleverly creates an entirely plausible string of events, taking the protagonist on a rollercoaster ride through the sorrow of bereavement and rejection, the short-lived elation of life in the royal court and the desperation of being a fugitive.

The volatility of Henry VIII’s moods and whims, which could at any moment result in death, or conversely the making of one’s fortune, is well-illustrated, and the fear he instilled in his subjects is palpable.

I was particularly impressed with the way in which Doherty sprinkled in a significant amount of well-researched historical detail, without overlabouring the point and weighing the story down, thus rooting the events firmly in their historical setting.

From beginning to end, I was riveted by Will’s plight, with the author’s skilful use of imagery bringing to life the pain, sorrow and joy he experienced, while also painting a vivid picture of the era.

As a teacher, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this charming novel to my upper-primary pupils.

[Dan Heffernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This terms class book related to the Tudor topic, really useful to help children conceptualise some of the main events during that era. In particular the church reform. It allows the reader to consider how emotive and life changing that event would have been for people at that time.

William is the page to the Prince so it is also useful to give an insight to the life of a Royal and the people around them.

[UWE Primary English Team · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-told historical adventure story set towards the end of Henry VIII' s reign. Interesting comparison of life in the royal palaces, on board a Tudor ship and in the house of a poor family. A little slow at first but improves as the story unfolds. Would make a good story to read with a KS2 class as an accompaniment to a Tudor history unit of work. (Ann)

[Kizzy Storr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because 9 years old promised me he would read it at the same time and we could chat about it.. he let me down me I was left reading it on own. Not my normal read at all, some interesting stuff about King Henry that I didn't know. Just didn't excite me at all.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read this in preparation for reading it with year 5 next term and I honestly really enjoyed it. It's a real page turner. From an educational point of view it ticks all the boxes - highly recommend.

[silv · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute little read I love little boys being friends and the gorgeous descriptions of the courts and the ocean and all yesyes, not one id read again or necessarily would have picked up if i wasn’t on holiday

[Lauren Desai · Rating 1 out of 5]

It felt like I was back in school trying to read something for a project. The story didn’t really begin until he has to travel to France to save his father and that is only the last five chapters maybe?!? Glad I was done with it tbh (book club pick)

[Amandaluna113gmail.Com]

read [pls pls

[Alish Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping story but was extremely slow-burning at some points. Then everything happened at once in the ending.

[amilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!!

[Mollie R0se · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-rounded children's books with great reference to the tudor and likeable characters.

[Frank BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good booked aimed at primary school children. I am excited to teach this to our class and let them enjoy all the twists and turns that come with this historical fiction!

[Logan Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was amazing. I think people who like history books 4-5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a driver text for Y6 Crime and Punishment History topic.

[Rachael Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slightly different book review…being a teacher I often read books that I then read to my class and use in English and or History or Geography lessons. This term we are learning about the Tudors and I chose this book.

We meet Will Carew, a boy faced with danger round every corner. After loosing his older brother to a tragic accident, he has to step up as heir to the family name and as page to Prince Edward, son of the tyrannical Henry VIII. Will soon becomes favourite to the King but this comes with enemies, enemies that will use his families’ Catholic beliefs to destroy them. He has to flee for his life and help is offered in the most unlikely of places.

I did enjoy reading this and there are lots of historical accuracies with the period that it is set in. My class are really enjoying it and want me to read it whenever they can so that’s a big sign too! I did however struggle with the ending and felt that it was quite rushed.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic historical novel for children. Just as much period detail as Philippa Gregory and a story with excitement, journeys, family, kings and beheadings.

I read this in advance of my junior book group's Berlie Doherty month, and I'm glad I picked this one. Almost wish I had my group all reading it. It would keep the interest of a girl or boy, and there's so much to discuss - girls marrying at 13, the power of King Henry VIII and the church/state issues, the idea of a page boy to a baby prince, why so many people were so poor, what prison would have been like.

It's the story of Will Montague, a fairly well-born son of a country knight. Taken under the wing of rich relatives after the sad death of his older brother, WIll says goodbye to sister Margery (destined to marry an old man) and heads to court, where he soon becomes page to Henry VIII's infant son Edward. Happy and flourishing, Will's father's religious beliefs suddenly become a great issue when they clash with Henry's, and the family's fortunes are turned on their heads. William flees after his father is taken to prison accused of treason and meets a poor boy, Nick, and his family. Determined to help his father, he and Nick must travel to France to seek out his sister's new husband. Is there hope? Can they rescue Robert Montague?

Will and Nick make a good pairing, with good and bad traits making them realistic but likeable. Short chapters, lots of excellent description and a pacey story keep the setting vivid and interest high. Doherty is a wonderful storyteller and it felt like reading a Gregory story for younger readers. It will surely pique both interest and questions, for individual readers and a class of 8-12 year olds.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

first encountered Berlie Doherty during my PGCE; her first novel How Green You Are! was recommended reading. Treason is the story of Will Montague. In the first harrowing scene, his brother is drowned, although Will is saved by his father. Will's guilt at surviving, knowing that Matthew was his father's favourite son, colours the whole book and explains a good deal about his motivations. Will's family has remained Catholic after Henry VIII cedes from the Catholic church to marry Anne Boleyn; however through his father's sister, Aunt Carew, they have powerful connections. Red-haired Will is offered a place at Hampton Court, as baby Prince Edward's page, but Percy Howard, relative of the powerful Duke of Norfolk, is furious that he was not offered the role and vows to bring Will and his family down. Then his father is denounced as a traitor for not renouncing his Catholic faith, and Will is in terrible danger. With the help of a poor boy called Nick, he must save his father, but who can he trust?
Written in the first person, this is a conventionally structured novel; however the historical background is beautifully evoked, the characters are well drawn (in particular the bloated, ageing, quixotic Henry and ambitious Aunt Carew), and Will is a realistic child hero. I loved the unusually sympathetic portrayal of Anne of Cleves, and a very clever foreshadowing of Katherine Howard's fate.
Highly recommended for confident readers of 9+, but it would be a great book to read aloud to Y4+.

[Saam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written historical book by Berlie Doherty in the time of king Henry VIII.
He had his three wives head decapitated and he ended the treaty with the Pope therefore he became head of the Catholic Church in England. William Montague from Montague Hall had a brother who drowned in the sea. When that tragedy happened Robert Montague, William’s father, became depressed and refused to talk to anyone but God. William also had a sister but he did not spend a lot of time with her. Everything was quiet and sad at Montague Hall until Robert got a job to work for his brother in law in London. Uncle Carew, Williams uncle had a very important position in the court and a special job for William as well but he thought William needed training for that job, therefore he sent his wife, Aunt Carew. Nor William nor his sister Margery liked their aunt. They thought she was cruel. William had to learn court manners until one day he was sent to London as well to become prince Edward’s page. Prince Edward was King Henry’s son. Life was good for William until his father was accused for treason and sent to Newgate prison. William has to risk his life and try to save his father. I liked this book because the details the author used made the book easier for me to read, understand and to imagine the scenes in my head. The book was a bit sad but it is a page-turner. There were some funny parts as well for example the jokes people made behind King Henry or the way court people did. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading historical books.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptionally well-written historical chapter book set in the late part of Henry VIII's reign. Three wives have been disposed of, and he has declared himself head of the Catholic Church in England. It is this climate young William Montague grows into young manhood in. After sudden tragedy befalls William's family, his aunt comes to stay at their country hall and whips him and Margery, his sister, into shape for a noble future. His gentle father goes to London to work as a secretary to his brother-in-law, a politically savvy and ambitious man who has his eye on a very particular court position for William. When it is discovered that William's father will not swear the Oath of Supremacy and declare that it is Henry, not the Pope, who is the leader of the Church, William's father is accused of treason and in grave danger for his life. William must do what he can to save him, but this means leaving his position as page and angering the terrifying Henry. Lovely descriptive writing does not weigh down the text, but gives heft to the plot, and readers in upper elementary school and junior high should find an absorbing story. The accurate descriptions of Newgate Prison and court life, including Henry himself, are sometimes shocking. 5th grade and up.