Merivel

A Man of His Time

By: Rose Tremain

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's 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 honorable 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.

©2013 Rose Tremain (P)2012 AudioGO

Great

Downloaded by mistake. Thoroughly enjoy it. Was sorry to fing it was finished. Great reading.

Read “Restoration “ First

….. or you will be lost. Still- I could listen to Merivel and his adventures,woes, achievements forever. The inner-workings of his mind were what interested me most. For all his greed and failings- the tenderest of hearts beat. I enjoyed the narrator of the first book better- UNTIL - it dawned on me that this more serious tone befitted the last half of this story just fine- and his accents are so well done. Read both- historical fiction at its best!

Immersive historical novel

Beautifully plotted, written, and narrated, Merivel brings the last years of the reign of Charles II to life. A fine read.

Loved it...3 times so far! WONDERFUL NARRATOR.

Memorable characters and interesting insight into 17th century life in Europe. Excellent historical novel. Be sure to listen to prequel, RESTORATION, prior to this one.

A sad conclusion to Merival

Read the first book to understand Merival. This book is sad but I think it tells the story of many lives.

Someone please make a film based on this book

I don't think I've ever loved a character more than Rose Tremain's Merivel. What a delight to follow him on his life's journey through two books. He's so flawed, hapless and foolish--and utterly endearing, even when he's behaving very badly. It's impressive how the author creates a character who is both inadvertently funny and inadvertently wise.

Wonderful story, wonderful narration.

Great story!

I enjoyed both books so much! Captivating from beginning to end. A private view into a man's soul.

As others have said- read Restoration first

I remember somewhat enjoying the 90s film Restoration, starring Robert Downey Jr. The book, however, is so much better. That said, this is a review for the sequel- Merivel. I listened to this immediately after finishing Restoration. Some readers have remarked on how sad it was. There were lots of very endearing and laugh out loud moments for me, and yes, some parts were a little sad, but that is not a reason to dislike the book. I think Tremain captured the essence of a person who, at the middle to end of his/her/their life is taking stock and reflecting the good, the bad, the embarrassing, the regretful and realizing that while some of it was painful, it all encompasses who they are. I think that is a beautiful and true thing. That, at least, is what I got out of it. But yes, start with Restoration.. and I do recommend reading Merivel right after so that the through line is not lost.

Incredible story and narration

I so loved this audiobook, one of my favorites off all time. If you love historical fiction and lyrical prose, narrated impeccably, you will love this audiobook.

Excellent

Extremely well-written and highly entertaining.. Going on this journey with this complex and flawed man has been a pleasure through the ups and downs and ALL around. I couldn’t help but root for him and ultimately was sad when it ended. Rose Tremain has a gift with words and Sean Barrett’s performance was perfection.