A great listen

I thought the story was really interesting and wasn’t predictable like a lot of historical novels. I liked the character development which was nuanced and deep and whilst the protagonist flawed still likeable.

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Superbly narrated.

An excellent performance of this uplifting story. The characters are brought to life in all their diverse glory.

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A bit of a romp!

Plenty of story here - its pace is good, as is the reading. It took me a long time to get to this book although I love most Rose Tremain writing. The period setting is not always appealing, but in fact it was a very interesting period, as Pepys revealed. It will encourage me to be less prescriptive in my listening choices.

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Entertaining historical fiction

I enjoyed this story of the ups and downs of the life of Robert Merival. His fate often altered by the whims of Charles II who wields absolute power over his subjects and raises Merival up and casts him down without a second thought. It's a story rich in details about life in the mid 17th century with its weird medical treatments, threat of plague, devastation by the great fire of London, the parlous state of the destitute and even worse the treatment of the insane. Into this rich tapestry is woven Merival's eventful life.

The narrator is good for older characters but his voice sounds too old for the 37 year old Merival and, though he can voice women, the young women sound like much older women.

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4 people found this helpful

Near perfection

I loved reading this book when it was released. I love this audiobook just as much - Paul Daneman’s narration is masterful (my only cavil would be the erroneous Norfolk accents employed). Tremain’s storytelling is unsurpassable. Beautiful.

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A beautiful reading of a beautiful book

I simply cannot praise this marvelous feast of a book enough. I'm tempted to go right back to the beginning and listen all over again.

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A ramble to no where.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Why would a respected author like Rose Tremain dedicate two books to a buffoon and a loser? 'Restoration' slides in a downward spiral, and we have no reason to pity the ill fated protagonist. Then, in the second book in the series, 'Merivel', the main character continues to wallow even further through misery as the clueless king's ex-fool. I must also be the fool for even attempting part two. Thankfully Audible allowed me to return the book.

What will your next listen be?

I will return to more elevating and exciting historical fiction. I've read most of Ken Follett's. I get confused with Hilary Mantel. There is lots to explore in Cornwell and Scarrow. There is always CJ Sanson's hunchback. Roy Clements is stuck in the 15th and 16th centuries. I think we are all bored with Philippa Gregory's delving between the Tutor sheets. Maybe I am ready for the highly educated tales of Simon Scarrow.

Have you listened to any of Paul Daneman’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This man is the only reason I have suffered as much as I have through this miserable book. Mr Daneman is a brilliant actor and a master of accents, voices and inflections.

Did Restoration inspire you to do anything?

Yes -- ask Audible to receive the book returned unfinished. I will find my historical fiction with another author.

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9 people found this helpful

Wonderful Romp

Masterful narration of a splendid story of affairs of the heart, love, friendship and fiality.

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A wonderful piece of storytelling

I was totally engrossed in the story of Robert Merival. The historical detail was exsquite and made the story completely believable, as is a voice from the past was speaking to me.

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An all time best... swept along

What an amazing story. The narration throughout is superb and I was drawn immediately into 1660’s England as experienced by Sir Robert Merival.

There’s a strong sense of atmosphere; Rose Tremain brings the period vividly to life with the sights, sounds and smells almost palpable. I found Merival’s character development fascinating. He’s on a journey and his initial arrogance and pompous eccentricities are a sitting target to be knocked back.

This was a story I didn’t want to end and it’s a stunning historical fiction with many interesting facts woven into the tale. Compelling and exciting.

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