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Merivel: A Man of His Time by Rose Tremain
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Merivel: A Man of His Time (original 2012; edition 2013)

by Rose Tremain (Author)

Series: Robert Merivel (2)

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3251779,325 (3.98)91
Court physician Robert Merivel has a middle age crisis and sets off for Versailles where he meets Madame de Flamanville, a Swiss botanist, and rescues a captive bear to take back to Bidnold Manor.
Member:MHanover10
Title:Merivel: A Man of His Time
Authors:Rose Tremain (Author)
Info:W. W. Norton & Company (2013), 384 pages
Collections:Your library, Currently reading, Wishlist, To read, Read but unowned, Favorites
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Tags:to-read

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Merivel: A Man of His Time by Rose Tremain (2012)

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English (15)  German (1)  Dutch (1)  All languages (17)
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Shortlisted for the 2013 Walter Scott historical novel prize (which was won by Tan Twan Eng for The Garden of Evening Mists, see my review) and the (2012) Wellcome Book Prize (because its central character is a doctor competing with quacks in Restoration England) Rose Tremain's Merival, a Man of His Time was an ideal book-at-bedtime after my somewhat sombre reading for #WITMonth.

Merival is a sequel to Restoration (1989). I think I've read it, but it must have been before I started keeping a reading journal so I don't have any record of it. It doesn't seem to matter: events from Book 1 are refreshed in Book 2, so it stands entirely on its own.

At heart, Merivel is about a mid-life crisis, that stage of life when mortality beckons in the distance, inviting reflection on the purpose and meaning of life. So though the novel is set convincingly in the 17th century during the period — after Britain's civil war and experiments with republican government (1649-1660) — and when the monarchy was restored under the Stuarts (1660-1688), Merivel's preoccupations are those of any man or woman in any age. What has he done with the life that has been granted him?

TO read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2023/08/16/merivel-a-man-of-his-time-2012-restoration-2... ( )
  anzlitlovers | Aug 16, 2023 |
Having read Rose Tremain's first Merivel novel some years ago I couldn't remember too much about his story. Fortunately, the character reflects back so a new reader is not confused. The ups and downs of Merivel's life continue. He remains devoted to the king, he had various sexual encounters, many mishaps and some tears. ( )
  CarolKub | Feb 6, 2023 |
It was wonderful to reconnect with this colourful character. Tremain's depiction of 17th century England is depicted with all it's imperfections in sumptuous detail. I found myself googling characters, clothing and palaces. Once again it is written with pathos and humour, in lyrical prose. I know no other writer who can immerse the reader in another time and place so vividly. ( )
  HelenBaker | Nov 21, 2022 |
A book with real heart. It made me laugh and it made my cry. Merival is undoubtedly one of the most likeable literary creations I have encountered. And I will certainly be looking for more Rose Tremain novels to add to 'the to read list'. ( )
  Patsmith139 | Mar 15, 2021 |
This was my first experience of the work of Rosé Tremain, which means that, though this book revisits characters first introduced in1989 in Restoration, it is the first time I have become acquainted with Merivel. I can categorically say that this had no impact at all on my enjoyment of this sequel, which is more than capable of standing up for itself.

When I began to read Merivel, I wondered if I would be able to get into it; the style, with its mimicking of 16th century writing, felt alien, and it took me a short while to feel comfortable with it. However, I realised after a while that I was not even noticing the style, but rather jus enjoying the story.

And what of the story? We meet Merivel, physician and courtier to King Charles II, in his late 50s, in a melancholy mood, reflecting on his follies and searching for meaning to his life. Merivel himself is an interesting mix of a character, summed up best as a man with many flaws, but aware of everyone of them. He has the typical trappings of the landed gentry, but also has moments of great compassion, and almost embarrassment, at the privileges he enjoys, sometimes at the expense of others.

Merivel has a knack of getting himself into situations, most of which are entertaining to read about, but are unlikely to happen. Where this book excels, in my opinion, is the emotions Merivel experiences, as he approaches later life and looks back over his achievements. These are emotions that anyone can relate to, and are a key reason why this is such a readable book.

Both entertaining and thought-provoking, this is a book I thoroughly recommend. ( )
  TheEllieMo | Jan 18, 2020 |
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For Penny, of course,
with love
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On this day, which is the Ninth day of November in the year 1683, a most singular thing has occurred.
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Court physician Robert Merivel has a middle age crisis and sets off for Versailles where he meets Madame de Flamanville, a Swiss botanist, and rescues a captive bear to take back to Bidnold Manor.

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A dazzling novel of loyalty and dreams set in Restoration England.
The gaudy years of the Restoration are long gone and Robert Merivel, physician and courtier to King Charles II, sets off for the French court in search of a fresh start. But royal life at the Palace of Versailles – all glitter in front and squalor behind – leaves him in despair, until a chance encounter with the seductive Madame de Flamanville, allows him to dream of a different future.

But will that future ever be his? Summoned home urgently to attend to the ailing King, Merivel finds his loyalty and skill tested to their limits.
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