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Restoration

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Restoration

By: Rose Tremain
Narrated by: Paul Daneman
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When a twist of fate delivers an ambitious young medical student to the court of King Charles II, he is suddenly thrust into a vibrant world of luxury and opulence.

Blessed with a quick wit and sparkling charm, Robert Merivel rises quickly, soon finding favour with the King, and privileged with a position as 'paper groom' to the youngest of the King's mistresses. But by falling in love with her, Merivel transgresses the one rule that will cast him out from his new-found paradise. Determined to be restored to the King's grace, Merivel begins a journey of self-knowledge and soon discovers that the King's pleasure is equally matched by his wrath.... Rose Tremain's novels have won many prizes including: the Whitbread Novel of the Year (Music and Silence); the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Prix Femina Etranger (Sacred Country); the Sunday Express Book of the Year, the Angel Literary Award and shortlisted for the Booker Prize (Restoration) and a Giles Cooper Award (for her radio play, Temporary Shelter). Her novel The Colour, was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, and selected for the Daily Mail Reading Club promotion. In June 2007 Rose was made a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

.©1989 Rose Tremain (P)2014 Audible Studios Historical Fiction Feel-Good Funny Witty Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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If you could sum up Restoration in three words, what would they be?

Unusual historical novel

Who was your favorite character and why?

Merivel a real character. A very different sort of hero.

What about Paul Daneman’s performance did you like?

Very well read.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Rose Tremain is an excellent author. I have only just discovered her and now making up for lost time.

Excellent book in every way

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I enjoyed this story of the ups and downs of the life of Robert Merival. His fate often altered by the whims of Charles II who wields absolute power over his subjects and raises Merival up and casts him down without a second thought. It's a story rich in details about life in the mid 17th century with its weird medical treatments, threat of plague, devastation by the great fire of London, the parlous state of the destitute and even worse the treatment of the insane. Into this rich tapestry is woven Merival's eventful life.

The narrator is good for older characters but his voice sounds too old for the 37 year old Merival and, though he can voice women, the young women sound like much older women.

Entertaining historical fiction

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Told from the point of view of Robert Meriville, a fat funny hopelessly impetuous character, this story really comes to life. I enjoyed every minute of it. it takes you to Restoration England within its unpredictable story. The Plague of 1665 and the fire of London are well told. Best of all is the character of King Charles and his relationship with Meriville and the lust for women and life they both have in common. Great book well read.

Funny and tragic

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What made the experience of listening to Restoration the most enjoyable?

The intelligence of the depiction by the author being complemented by the reading performned, not just read aloud, by Paul Daneman.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Restoration?

The conversations between Merivel and his friend Pierce (Pearce?).

What does Paul Daneman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Lively and believable characterisation. Nuances of speech and tone which add richness to the text.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, too good to plough through, better savoured over time.

Any additional comments?

Made me want to read more by Rose Tremain and listen to more by Mr Daneman.

Characterful story, brilliantly read.

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Almost Wodehousian characters and narration in a rich Restoration setting. It’s very funny to start with but takes a darker turn towards the end, exploring Restoration attitudes to poverty and mental illness. I highly recommend it for fans of the era. It takes in more aspects of Restoration England than you may expect (especially on the medical side of things)

Perfect narration, excellent story

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