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suzie_woo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
Bought this mainly for the pretty cover and first page. I have a love hate relationship with this book, though more love given that I bought the second book straight after finishing it. This was 400 pages. It felt like 1000. I think I just spent a long time getting into the flow of the language (not used to how it was written, as it was written as more of a classic and in a very different time period) and getting into the flow of the story. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. I think Merivel was a wonderfully written character who was flawed but at the same time I didn't hate him (surprising given some of the things he did). There were lots of times when I also marvelled at the authors writing, which I found very beautiful and sad and thought provoking.
hardcoverhearts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
gwinreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
2.0
labtracks's review against another edition
4.0
I got this as a book club book but then the library didn't get it in time for me to go to the book club. When it came in I picked it up anyhow. Looking at the cover and description I was very close to just bringing this back, but I started reading and I'm pretty glad I did.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Not your typical book about this time period, which frankly can be pretty boring. This could be about this same character in just about any time period... a struggling want-it-all, personable, funny who likes women. He thinks he has it all and all he wants until he realizes he doesn't. He calls on friends and always pulls himself back. In the end he realizes he does have what he wants, through much struggle and maturity. A delightful story which made me laugh, shake my head and in the end feel some satisfaction.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Not your typical book about this time period, which frankly can be pretty boring. This could be about this same character in just about any time period... a struggling want-it-all, personable, funny who likes women. He thinks he has it all and all he wants until he realizes he doesn't. He calls on friends and always pulls himself back. In the end he realizes he does have what he wants, through much struggle and maturity. A delightful story which made me laugh, shake my head and in the end feel some satisfaction.
caitlin_ktc26's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
john_bizzell's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the beginning best. It was funny and engaging. The obvious feature of the character is his insatiable love of women. As the book is in first person, he is constantly talking about it. Some is a little disturbing and some is very funny.
One of his favorite paramours calls her parts The Thing and that gets a fair amount of repetition in various ways.
Strangely, none of it put me off, I found it a well told and amusing story.
The book is split into 3 volumes and the second and third ones, while still telling a good story, didn't catch my imagination as much as they only tell his story of surviving without the King and what he does.
It's not nearly as entertaining as the first part as he's not as irreverent while he's learning to live in the 'real' world.
One of his favorite paramours calls her parts The Thing and that gets a fair amount of repetition in various ways.
Strangely, none of it put me off, I found it a well told and amusing story.
The book is split into 3 volumes and the second and third ones, while still telling a good story, didn't catch my imagination as much as they only tell his story of surviving without the King and what he does.
It's not nearly as entertaining as the first part as he's not as irreverent while he's learning to live in the 'real' world.
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
Restoration is set in 17th Century, London. This coming-of-age story is told by Robert Merivel in first person. Merivel is a partly educated physician/surgeon. He does not have his full education because he left school after the death of his father, who was the official glove maker of the King. Now that his father is dead, King Charles II appoints Robert a role in the palace as the main physician of the palace dogs. He falls out of favor with the king and things go downhill from there. I am a new fan of Rose Tremain and this book did not disappoint.
sab_1961's review against another edition
5.0
Just finished listening to this lovely audio book. Loved Merivel, such a great character and the reader had the perfect voice for him. It is set in the 17th Century during the plague and fire in London. Interesting to hear the events through the life of Merivel. I have listened to a number of audiobooks by Rose Remain. All very different but all excellent and on BorrowBox.
thecurlyflea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rose Tremain is a terrific writer. From the first page the reader is offered a deeply personal vantage point into the mind and thoughts of Sir Robert Merival, a rather effusive character who is, largely according to himself, living his best life under the favour of the King. He makes little effort to hide his desires, even when perverse, and demonatrates very little self-awareness. He bares his warts to all who care to look and listen.
It was immensely satisfying to witness the 'restoration' of such a man who seemed, largely unknowingly at first, lost inside the excesses of his life and existence, with little idea of what the future could or should hold. The gradual separation of Merival and Sir Robert; the troubles he faces in attempting to escape the trappings and draws of his former life; his relationships with Will and Pearce and Rosie and Katherine (and, of course, the King); all are masterfully done. Metaphors are subtly but effectively deployed; I loved reflecting on the significance of the Indian Nightingale and West Tower throughout.
Beautifully set in 1660s Britain, the narrative drifts effortlessly from the home comforts of Bidnold to the glamour of London and poverty of Whittlesea, as well as everywhere else in between. If you love historical fiction and are drawn to stories of redemption, with plenty of masterful prose along the way, this one is for you.
It was immensely satisfying to witness the 'restoration' of such a man who seemed, largely unknowingly at first, lost inside the excesses of his life and existence, with little idea of what the future could or should hold. The gradual separation of Merival and Sir Robert; the troubles he faces in attempting to escape the trappings and draws of his former life; his relationships with Will and Pearce and Rosie and Katherine (and, of course, the King); all are masterfully done. Metaphors are subtly but effectively deployed; I loved reflecting on the significance of the Indian Nightingale and West Tower throughout.
Beautifully set in 1660s Britain, the narrative drifts effortlessly from the home comforts of Bidnold to the glamour of London and poverty of Whittlesea, as well as everywhere else in between. If you love historical fiction and are drawn to stories of redemption, with plenty of masterful prose along the way, this one is for you.