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  • Merivel, A Man of His Time

  • By: Rose Tremain
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (372 ratings)

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Merivel, A Man of His Time

By: Rose Tremain
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Summary

The Restoration is over and Robert Merivel, renowned physician and courtier to Charles II, now faces the anxieties of middle age. Questions crowd his mind: has he been a good father? Is he a fair master? Is he the King's friend or the King's slave? In search of answers, Merivel sets off for the French court. But Versailles leaves him in despair, until a chance encounter with a seductive Swiss botanist allows him to dream of an honourable future. But back home, his loyalty and medical skill are about to be tested to the limit, while the captive bear he has brought back from France begins to cause havoc....

With a cascade of lace at his neck and a laugh that can burst out of him in the midst of torment, Merivel is soulful, outrageous and achingly sad. His unmistakable, self-mocking voice speaks directly to us down the centuries. Get ready to laugh, prepare to weep - Robert Merivel is back in Rose Tremain's magical sequel to Restoration.

©2012 Rose Tremain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Merivel, A Man of His Time

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Pure bliss

This sequel to the brilliant Restoration is narrated faultlessly by Sean Barrett. Merivel’s story and his voyage of self knowledge is truly captivating and I cannot recommend the two books highly enough. There are echoes of I, Claudius and Claudius the God within, which believe me is high praise indeed. The flashes of humour are priceless and Merivel’s character will stay with me for, I trust and hope, a very long time. I am spellbound by this wonderful man. Thank you Rose Tremain. Genius.

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A jolly good listen.

Although I was at first disappointed that the narrator had changed from the first book, he was as excellent as the first. Good story well written and well told.

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Wonderful in every way

This sequel was just as as good as the first book. So beautifully written and read

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Thoughtful, moving and gently humorous

I read Restoration which I greatly enjoyed and came across this sequel on Audible by chance. Charles II has always been a figure that has intrigued me and the way that the unlikely Merivel's life has somehow got intertwined with the monachs makes for a more interesting read than the usual type of historical novel. Far from being a typical choice for me, Merival A Man of his Time has nevertheless turned out to be one of the best audio books I have listened to. The way that Merivel gradually begins to perceive the unfairness of the world and the flaws in his own character is very well handled and the ending, although I had suspected something similar, was exceptional. Sean Barrett conjures up a totally believable Merivel and gives probably one of his finest performances. I listened to this absolutely whenever I could and feel rather bereft now that I have finished. First Class.

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loved this book, loved this man!

This is a wonderful book and a great reading.

I will return to this again and again

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Perfect

What did you like most about Merivel, A Man of His Time?

Will Gates.

What did you like best about this story?

The way Tremain populated the novel with characters who are utterly convincing.

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

His narration was outstanding.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and cry.

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A masterpiece

I'm not sure if this book really examines the meaning of human experience, or whether Sean Barrett's narration makes you think it does. It is really quite moving. Even better than the first volume, Restoration - but possibly darker, as Merivel becomes older. Not to be missed.

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Wonderful read interesting book

Read this and Resoration Man. Loved both. I love Sean Barrett reading this. Will try more Rose Tremayne. I don't often read historical novels but will try more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful book

I have both read and listened to Merivel and have fallen in love with him and his world. This book is wonderful. Read Restoration first if you haven't done so but it's not necessary. Beautifully read too.

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Absolutely Absorbing

This is tragedy, comedy and history all in one fantastic story. (And being a restoration tale is also suitably bawdy.) There are very few writers I trust with historical fiction, Rose Tremain is chief amongst them. I felt that I was walking beside Merivel and didn't want to leave him, even to sleep. The narration is utterly convincing so that I am now feeling the loss of a companion.

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