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Merivel, A Man of His Time

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Merivel, A Man of His Time

By: Rose Tremain
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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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 read Restoration which I greatly enjoyed and came across this sequel on Audible by chance. Charles II has always been a figure that has intrigued me and the way that the unlikely Merivel's life has somehow got intertwined with the monachs makes for a more interesting read than the usual type of historical novel. Far from being a typical choice for me, Merival A Man of his Time has nevertheless turned out to be one of the best audio books I have listened to. The way that Merivel gradually begins to perceive the unfairness of the world and the flaws in his own character is very well handled and the ending, although I had suspected something similar, was exceptional. Sean Barrett conjures up a totally believable Merivel and gives probably one of his finest performances. I listened to this absolutely whenever I could and feel rather bereft now that I have finished. First Class.

Thoughtful, moving and gently humorous

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I loved this audio book superbly ready by Sean Barrett. I first encountered Merivel when I read Restoration by Rose Tremain, many years ago and it was an excellent introduction to historical fiction. It was good to find that Rose Tremain has written a sequel, although the books could be heard (or read) independently of each other.

Now in middle age and with a tendency towards melancholia, we learn how Merivel deals with his relationships - with his daughter, with his friend King Charles, with his loyal servants and even with a brown bear. His adventures take him takes him from his estate in Norfolk to the Court of King Louis in Versailles where he encounters disenchantment but also romance. However nothing can be straightforward with Merivel, as we learn! A medical man, there is also a fascinating and sometimes horrific insight into the treatments of the time.

Undoubtedly a first rate listen and one I will want to hear again and again.

Merivel, my top audiobook for 2012

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Read this and Resoration Man. Loved both. I love Sean Barrett reading this. Will try more Rose Tremayne. I don't often read historical novels but will try more.

Wonderful read interesting book

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It made me laugh out loud, blush with embarrassment and feel the joy of merivel’s full and wonderful life!

Beautiful

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Wonderful sequel to Restoration. A splendid listen. Narration is full of life by Sean Barrett.

Tremendous story

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