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Merivel, A Man of His Time

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About this listen

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. Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Tear-jerking
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I'm familiar with the narrator from Scandinavian crime fiction audiobooks, so it took me a short while to adjust, but once I did, Sean Barrett became utterly convincing as Merivel, and the many other characters, and this wonderful novel has fixed him in my memory like an old friend. Merivel is very human, warts and all, and he felt very real to me, and so did the period he inhabits thanks to the wonderful quality of the writing. I got through this in 3 sittings and didn't want it to end. Beautifully written and absorbing from start to end.

Absorbing

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Really enjoyed 'Restoration' but reviews of this were not so good, so hesitated for a year or two before buying. Wish I hadn't, really enjoyed this sequal. Tremain's portrayals of both Merivel and Charles II are beautifully drawn, Merivel particlularly is a warts and all characterisation but wholly sympathetic, a very flawed man whom we grow to love. Understanding and detail of the period are faultless, bringing it alive. Highly recommended.

A properly human history

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What did you like best about this story?

It was so real. So many things I could relate to, even though it was in a different time.

Any additional comments?

The ending was not what I expected and left me with a deep sadness.

Depressing, in a good way - I think

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Loved every minute of this emotive and inspiring story. What a pleasure to listen to every word of it.

Just wonderful

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Just a wonderful book yet again from Tremain, and beautifully read. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Beautiful

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