Restoration

Restoration follows Robert Merivel, a 17th-century medical student in London during the reign of Charles II. The protagonist's life changes when he gains favor with the king by treating one of the royal dogs. King Charles II rewards Merivel with a position at court and arranges a marriage of convenience between him and one of the king's mistresses. Merivel receives an estate in Norfolk as part of this arrangement, where he pursues a life of leisure and attempts to master various artistic pursuits. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Restoration England, a period marked by renewed excess and celebration following years of Puritan rule. The setting spans from the royal court of London to the countryside of Norfolk, incorporating historical events and figures of the era. Through Merivel's journey, the novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the tension between personal desire and duty in a society undergoing dramatic transformation. The narrative examines how privilege and power can both elevate and corrupt.

Readers describe Restoration as an immersive journey through 17th century England, with many noting the rich historical details and memorable character of Robert Merivel. Readers appreciated: - The witty, authentic narrative voice - Complex character development as Merivel evolves - Historical accuracy and period atmosphere - Dark humor throughout - The exploration of restoration themes beyond just the historical period Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found Merivel too unlikeable initially - Medical scenes too graphic for some readers - Secondary characters underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) "Merivel's voice draws you in completely" notes one Goodreads reviewer, while another states "the protagonist's flaws and growth feel genuine rather than forced." Some Amazon reviews mention the "excellent balance of comedy and tragedy."

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🔸 The novel was adapted into a successful 1995 film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Robert Merivel and Sam Neill as King Charles II. 🔸 Charles II's court, depicted in the book, was known as the "Merry Monarch's" reign, marked by a dramatic shift from Puritan austerity to unprecedented hedonism and artistic freedom. 🔸 Author Rose Tremain spent three years researching 17th-century medicine and court life before writing the novel, including studying actual medical treatises from the period. 🔸 The book's themes of plague and medical practice were inspired by real historical events - the Great Plague of London (1665-1666) killed an estimated 100,000 people, about a quarter of London's population. 🔸 The novel won the prestigious Sunday Express Book of the Year award in 1989 and helped establish Tremain as one of Britain's most acclaimed historical fiction writers.