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mildemakrel's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
leasaurusrex's review against another edition
4.0
Robert Merivel, orphelin et apprenti médecin se retrouve, par un hasard de circonstances à devenir "bouffon" du Roi d'Angleterre, Charles II, qu'il amuse beaucoup par ses pitreries et ses mœurs légères. Sa laideur et son caractère si peu sérieux l'amènent à se faire confier une mission singulière : il doit épouser Celia Clemence, une des favorites du Roi, afin de la soustraire à la jalousie de la Première Maîtresse. En compensation, il recevra le manoir de Bidnold et une rente très confortable. Sa seule mission : ne pas tomber amoureux de sa femme.
Le personnage de Merivel est très exubérant et cumule un peu toutes les facettes de l'anti-héros. Laid, moqué, abusé, il se joue de tout, se perdant dans les plaisirs de la chère et de la chair. Mais il en devient un personnage attachant, avec de l'humour, des habitudes agaçantes et une façon de voir la vie particulière et agréable à lire. Son évolution est flagrante tout au long du roman, et le personnage ne m'a pas ennuyée une seule fois.
Je trouve de plus très appréciable l'écriture résolument moderne du roman. La plume est facile à lire, les détails de la Cour, souvent foisonnants et difficiles à suivre, sont simplifiés à l'extrême. Le personnage fait preuve d'un certain humour, les situations comiques sont bien amenées, sans être lourdes ou vaines et ses réflexions sur certains sujets (la place de la femme, le traitement des troubles psychologiques, la médecine) sont rafraîchissantes.
À travers les références historiques et culturelles de la fin du XVII ème siècle, l'autrice nous emmène dans un roman historique qui paraît vraiment cliché au premier abord, mais qui se révèle bien plus intéressant et intelligent à lire. Une jolie découverte.
Le personnage de Merivel est très exubérant et cumule un peu toutes les facettes de l'anti-héros. Laid, moqué, abusé, il se joue de tout, se perdant dans les plaisirs de la chère et de la chair. Mais il en devient un personnage attachant, avec de l'humour, des habitudes agaçantes et une façon de voir la vie particulière et agréable à lire. Son évolution est flagrante tout au long du roman, et le personnage ne m'a pas ennuyée une seule fois.
Je trouve de plus très appréciable l'écriture résolument moderne du roman. La plume est facile à lire, les détails de la Cour, souvent foisonnants et difficiles à suivre, sont simplifiés à l'extrême. Le personnage fait preuve d'un certain humour, les situations comiques sont bien amenées, sans être lourdes ou vaines et ses réflexions sur certains sujets (la place de la femme, le traitement des troubles psychologiques, la médecine) sont rafraîchissantes.
À travers les références historiques et culturelles de la fin du XVII ème siècle, l'autrice nous emmène dans un roman historique qui paraît vraiment cliché au premier abord, mais qui se révèle bien plus intéressant et intelligent à lire. Une jolie découverte.
wannabaudrey's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It was a bit strange, but enjoyable. The narration was outstanding.
allisfullofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
clmckinney's review against another edition
4.0
This is Robert Merivel's journey as a servant to the king in the 1600s. He starts as a physician and then becomes a bit of a veterinarian as the story progresses. He rises to great heights and engages in debauchery which leads to his eventual descent. I thought this was a well rounded story that was sharply funny at times. I can see why this was nominated for the booker. I give this one a 3.9/5.
natashamontgomery's review against another edition
2.0
[2.5 stars]
I was so very excited by Rose Tremain's work (before having read anything from her bibliography) and chose Restoration as the first step to my preconceived love of her work. I was disappointed. Nothing quite significant actually happens in this book, Tremain relies upon her development of the protagonist, Merivel, to keep the plot interesting when the plot is far from interesting. Luckily, Merivel is a brilliant character with such a charismatic voice (that Tremain writes incredibly well) but his journey is rather tedious and I found myself waiting and waiting for the book to finally envelop me but, alas, the moment never came. I must say Tremain's character development and writing style really saves this novel from being on my 'time-waster' shelf on Goodreads. I am very conflicted as to whether to pick up more from this author or just abandon her (wow, that sounds dramatic). I hope that maybe this just wasn't to my taste and her other works are much better but do I take the risk?
To add, although predictable, the events do have meaning and Merivel's journey is very important to his own sanity but, still, for the majority of the book I was not engaged and was counting down pages to the end of every chapter (not a good sign).
I was so very excited by Rose Tremain's work (before having read anything from her bibliography) and chose Restoration as the first step to my preconceived love of her work. I was disappointed. Nothing quite significant actually happens in this book, Tremain relies upon her development of the protagonist, Merivel, to keep the plot interesting when the plot is far from interesting. Luckily, Merivel is a brilliant character with such a charismatic voice (that Tremain writes incredibly well) but his journey is rather tedious and I found myself waiting and waiting for the book to finally envelop me but, alas, the moment never came. I must say Tremain's character development and writing style really saves this novel from being on my 'time-waster' shelf on Goodreads. I am very conflicted as to whether to pick up more from this author or just abandon her (wow, that sounds dramatic). I hope that maybe this just wasn't to my taste and her other works are much better but do I take the risk?
To add, although predictable, the events do have meaning and Merivel's journey is very important to his own sanity but, still, for the majority of the book I was not engaged and was counting down pages to the end of every chapter (not a good sign).
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely love rose tremain's writing and although this is only the second book of hers I have read, I am definitely a fan. It tells the story of merivel, quite an unlikeable but interesting character at the start, and his journey to becoming a better person. This is, if he can ever get over his obsessive love for the king. (Charles II)
majkia's review against another edition
4.0
Very different take on historical fiction. Odd, in some weird ways... Interesting though, to see things from someone not at the center of the action.
polyhy_14's review against another edition
4.0
Robert Merivel is a profligate young man and quintessential silly ass. When he captures the attention and friendship of Charles II he finds himself in possession of wealth and position beyond his wildest imaginings. However, along with this come certain responsibilities and when he oversteps the boundaries, his fall from grace is rapid and extreme.
To use the first person to tell a story has its limitations, but in this context it's a perfect tool to convey the growing awareness and development of Merivel's character. The journey is never straightforward but the ending is ultimately satisfying. I'm reminded of T S Eliot's words: "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
Beautifully told, rich in both humour and pathos with interesting facts about the life and times of the Restoration period in English history. Recommended.
To use the first person to tell a story has its limitations, but in this context it's a perfect tool to convey the growing awareness and development of Merivel's character. The journey is never straightforward but the ending is ultimately satisfying. I'm reminded of T S Eliot's words: "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
Beautifully told, rich in both humour and pathos with interesting facts about the life and times of the Restoration period in English history. Recommended.
zoelouise_g's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5