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Restoration

(Sceptre 21's)

By Rose Tremain

(8)

| Paperback | 9780340936436

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3 Reviews

1 person find this helpful

Enjoyable read

Robert Merival, the narrator of this novel, is, at the start of this book, a 37 year old doctor. He is one of the king’s favourites, and is utterly devoted to Charles II himself. So much so that he agrees to marry the king’s mistress, Celia, in order to persuade another of the royal mistresses that ... (continue)

Robert Merival, the narrator of this novel, is, at the start of this book, a 37 year old doctor. He is one of the king’s favourites, and is utterly devoted to Charles II himself. So much so that he agrees to marry the king’s mistress, Celia, in order to persuade another of the royal mistresses that she is out of the picture. In reality though Charles will continue to see her, and Merival must never fall in love with her. She may be married to Merival, but she is the king’s.
Throughout the book Merival constantly puts himself down, he begins by describing how untidy he must appear. How ugly he is. How absurd he must appear. He knows that he is the king’s Fool, that others must laugh at him. He has agreed to let the king make him appear an even greater fool by marrying a woman he must never touch. He is deeply flawed. He is a glutton, both for food and for women, and is deeply immature.
But as the book progresses we get to know him better, and despite those obvious flaws he is quite an endearing character. He may also be too harsh with himself, for he has little trouble in finding women to enjoy. He has given up the life of a doctor in preference for an easy life at Court, but now is exiled from the king’s presence, in reward for his marriage he is given a house and land. But eventually Celia makes the mistake of asking too much from the king and he sends her away, to Merival. She is still untouchable, still the king’s mistress, but Merival finds himself falling in love with her. A mistake that earns him yet further banishment as his house and property are taken away and he is left to fend for himself. He finds himself returning to his profession, working alongside his Quaker friend at a madhouse. But again he makes mistakes and errors and although each time he appears to learn from them, it is a long process.
Despite all his flaws I found Merival to be a very likeable character. Of course he might be more insufferable were he not a fictional character, but in the book he is usually full of good humour, and although he is immature and selfish, he is also, in a strange way, thoughtful and interested in all those around him.
The title of this novel refers not only to the Restoration of Charles to the crown, but also to Merival’s restoration. His finding a path in life and coming to know himself.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it mixes comic touches with more darker aspects, Mervial himself is an entertaining narrator, and Tremain really makes the historical era come to life. And her characters are realistic and well-drawn.

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Dee said on Jul 17, 2007 | Add your feedback

I was disappointed with this book, particularly as it took me over half way before I begun to like and understand it. I have read only one other of this author's books and that was also not a favourite. I had seen the film starring Robert Downey Jnr some years ago, and had forgotten some of the st ... (continue)

I was disappointed with this book, particularly as it took me over half way before I begun to like and understand it. I have read only one other of this author's books and that was also not a favourite. I had seen the film starring Robert Downey Jnr some years ago, and had forgotten some of the story. The part where Merivel is in the King's favour and lords it in Bidnold I found boring and tedious. Once Merivel returned to the King and was sent away and removed from Bidnold I found the story gained meaning and I could see where it was leading. I felt disappointment at Robert's weakness and vanity with Katherine and was saddened that he could not find it in his heart to love her after he had committed his 'sin'. He made good in the end but the book's ending was a let down for me.

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Booketta said on Jan 29, 2011 | Add your feedback

Generally, the content of this book was interesting, as it was set in a period of English history I didn't know much about.
However, the character was not one that you felt very sympathetic towards - either lusting after women or trying to get close to the king. I didn't finish the book feeling sa ... (continue)

Generally, the content of this book was interesting, as it was set in a period of English history I didn't know much about.
However, the character was not one that you felt very sympathetic towards - either lusting after women or trying to get close to the king. I didn't finish the book feeling sad that I had finished it - unlike other books I have read recently

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Lunarossa said on Mar 2, 2010 | Add your feedback