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msjaneod's review against another edition
3.0
Was relieved that the sequel maintained the wit and level of historical detail. I think I wanted a little more from the novel than we got though and the Louise story added nothing to Merivel's tale.
patsmith139's review against another edition
4.0
A book with real heart. It made me laugh and it made my cry. Merival is undoubtedly one of the most likeable literary creations I have encountered. And I will certainly be looking for more Rose Tremain novels to add to 'the to read list'.
aimeesbookishlife's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
coronaurora's review against another edition
3.0
A placid and coasting follow-up to Tremain's very own masterful Restoration. While suffused with all the linguistic flourishes and character traits that held the reader in a vice in the book before, this one feels lesser, in the way all sequels usually and inadvertently do. That shocking beauty of the poetry in the artfully reconstructed syntax and the equally charming character idiosyncracies that make you go Bravo! while turning every page in the first book, skate over without impression despite these elements rigorously retained by the author. As a second time visitor to this universe, my interest veered away from the Aesthetics and into the book's Events, but other than Merivel's endearing but excessive sentimental indulgence, I found little else. Tremain's detailed and exacting construction of Merivel's thought-space from the first book was so complete, that one could second-guess the bent of his contemplation even before she has written him venturing onto it and being one step ahead of her was wearisome.
We meet him, our Reluctant Physician from the 17th century Britain two decades after we left him with a babe in his arms and the King gracing with his presence at Merivel's residence at Norfolk. His travails, in what turn out to be his final years, are suffused with a heightened self-awareness and interminable bouts of nostalgia, as he balances parenthood, an overseas dalliance and forever-remodelling terms of dotage from the King. His disarming cluelessness with accumulated years of experience in his first person monologue while soaked in emotionalism derives some humour from observing a going-senile butler, the state of the masses, his sexual adventures, notes from his travels abroad to the French court and as a cuckold to a baron's daughter in Switzerland. There are some setpieces that challenge and/or bring forth his credentials as the physician, but none have the soul-pulping transformative drama of his stay at the Bedlam from the first book. It is certainly a worthy follow-up, but also a very cautious one, never quite gathering a life of its own, and in the process, I found it a reading exercise far more disposable than Restoration.
We meet him, our Reluctant Physician from the 17th century Britain two decades after we left him with a babe in his arms and the King gracing with his presence at Merivel's residence at Norfolk. His travails, in what turn out to be his final years, are suffused with a heightened self-awareness and interminable bouts of nostalgia, as he balances parenthood, an overseas dalliance and forever-remodelling terms of dotage from the King. His disarming cluelessness with accumulated years of experience in his first person monologue while soaked in emotionalism derives some humour from observing a going-senile butler, the state of the masses, his sexual adventures, notes from his travels abroad to the French court and as a cuckold to a baron's daughter in Switzerland. There are some setpieces that challenge and/or bring forth his credentials as the physician, but none have the soul-pulping transformative drama of his stay at the Bedlam from the first book. It is certainly a worthy follow-up, but also a very cautious one, never quite gathering a life of its own, and in the process, I found it a reading exercise far more disposable than Restoration.
suzie_woo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I LOVE reading about Merivel. He is so real and raw, someone with a lot of flaws, yet insanely loveable and relatable. Every time Pearce was mentioned i had to hold in the tears AND THE ENDING OH THE ENDING, it was so good? Some part of me hated it, another thought it was perfect. I love the way Tremain writes, especially her characterisation. I can’t explain how well done Merivel is. His thoughts are fascinating. I do however, think that it is not, what i would call light reading. If i were to go back in time, i would read it at a time with no school and i could devour it in a few days.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
5.0
I'd just listened to a podcast with Rose Tremain when I saw this sequel in the bookstore. Merivel is such a wonderful, self-knowing and romantic character that I wanted it to keep going forever.
sab_1961's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Recommend the audiobook and it’s the second in a series.
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/day-958-merivel-a-man-of-his-time/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/day-958-merivel-a-man-of-his-time/
khazbin's review against another edition
3.0
Personally, not my preferred genre. It was interesting nonetheless, enough so to finish the book.
The main character didn't much endear himself to me but his concerns and reactions were realistically human. The only thing about him I appreciated was his care for animals. Frankly, I was more interested in learning more about his dead friend.
I enjoyed the style in which the book itself was written. it put me in mind of the times, just as I'm sure it was meant to.
This was a free Goodreads first reads book.
The main character didn't much endear himself to me but his concerns and reactions were realistically human. The only thing about him I appreciated was his care for animals. Frankly, I was more interested in learning more about his dead friend.
I enjoyed the style in which the book itself was written. it put me in mind of the times, just as I'm sure it was meant to.
This was a free Goodreads first reads book.