You may be familiar with the Restoration and Charles II. Or maybe not. Regardless, Rose Tremain gives this historical period double-meaning in her novel, “Restoration”. “Restoration” is a novel which can’t be ignored as it is simply “alive” with sounds, emotions, and colors immediately jumping from Tremain’s pages the second the reader opens the book. Saying that “Restoration” has a heartbeat is putting it mildly. This lively novel is supplemented by the main character of Robert Merivel who has disgusting flaws and yet is so relatable, that he is an extremely likable character. Tremain successfully turns a character which would be hated in any other novel into a lovable one. “Restoration” is not a typical novel but is more of a character study following Merivel. At times, the reader may think that there is no real plot and yet “Restoration” continues to be a page turner as it feels like one is actually living the story while reading it. Furthermore, Merivel’s character arc is perfect: not too fast, not too slow, and yet subtle enough to be realistic. Tremain’s prose and literary language in “Restoration” is also top-notch. “Restoration” features all of the star qualities of classic literature along with historical accuracy and character dialogue which feels of the times. The reader will have to be reminded that Tremain was not actually alive during Charles II’s reign.All of the characters in “Restoration” have such magnetic chemistry with each other that the story becomes riveting and yet the ratio of coverage each character portrays in relation to others is never overdone. “Restoration” also features unique storytelling where Merivel speaks almost directly to the reader. Although this can be perceived as “cheesy”; it works in “Restoration” (as everything seems to). Tremain doesn’t focus too much attention on describing the setting of the scenes and yet each creates a vivid picture. Simply put: “Restoration” has a unique draw while being written exceptionally well. Also noteworthy are the multi-layered events. Instead of merely being a part of the plot-line; each occurrence in the story signifies a deeper lesson/meaning, adding substance to the novel and thought-provoking philosophical ideas. Additionally moving (and compelling) is Merivel being a protagonist and his own antagonist. There is nothing more relatable than being your own worst enemy.The second half of “Restoration” is much different from the first with Tremain focusing more on the story than of the deeper character study of the first half. Although this doesn’t significantly decrease the merit of “Restoration”; it does somewhat change the impact of the writing.Although subjective, I found the descriptions of Merivel’s dreams/nightmares to be tedious and not necessary to the plot. Not only do these not add depth, but Tremain over utilizes the tactic. Part two brings about a slackening of pace within the novel and a less inviting plot (although Merivel is still likable). However, the views and angles of historical events such as the Plague and the Great Fire of London are notably different than other historical fiction novels (in a good way). The conclusion is weaker than expected but “Restoration” does come full circle and Tremain answers open-ended questions. “Restoration” is unique, well-written, and incorporates a compelling story with a terrific literary character. Tremain’s work is suggested for those readers interested in historical fiction or specifically of seventeenth-century England.
This very fine novel was first published in 1989. Writing some twenty years later about this book, the author states that this story was her 'fictional response to the climate of selfishness and material greed that began to prevail in our society during the Thatcher years, from which we have never recovered and for which we are now beginning to pay a terrifying price'. Four years on from making this statement of course, society is no better off. Which ensures that a story such as as this has as much relevance now as it did 25 years ago, and 325 years before that when it is set in the equally greedy time of the reign of Charles II.When the story begins, in 1664, Robert Merivel is a 37 year old physician. Since he was a child he has been fascinated by how the body works, over the years developing his knowledge and an enormous respect for the human condition. The restoration of a king to the throne of England in 1661 awakens a frenzy of celebration and hedonism in the population at large which Robert is desperate to become a part of. Fortunately for Robert, his father is a glove maker to the King, which does improve his chances of getting close to the King. In a peculiar piece of good luck he cures one of the royal spaniels and finds himself firmly in place at the royal court. But he is really no more than a plaything of the King, a pawn to be used as the King sees fit, and in the process Robert loses some of himself. He finds himself married to one of the King's mistresses, ostensibly to keep another mistress happy. As a reward for this service he is knighted, given lands and a house miles away in Norfolk and forbidden from falling in love with his wife. Naturally he does fall in love, and in a single kingly stroke, all his good fortune is taken away from him.What follows is Robert's rediscovery of himself and his own personal restoration to the man that was always there, but had been temporarily waylaid by the madness and greed around him. Destitute and homeless, he makes his way to where John Pearce, his oldest friend, a Quaker who had been a fellow medical student with him, now lives - an establishment that cares for mentally disturbed people. All the way through the novel John Pearce acts a bit like Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio - that little conscience just sitting out of sight on Robert's shoulder. Robert always knows that John's way is the right way; he just has some trouble getting on the right path!The journey of restoring body and soul is long and fraught with the crazy house not being the end of the road for Robert by any means. But slowly and surely, Robert Merivel, Physician and Surgeon, finds happiness and peace and his own self. Robert is a fully rounded character, with his fair share of human failings and strengths. He encourages us all to look into ourselves and find the goodness within, as well as the moral courage to make a stand.This is a long book, not a light summer read, but one to be savoured and lingered over. The research into 17th century life, in the country, the hideous cities, the court life, treatment of the sick, the Plague, the Great Fire of London, dress, diet, transport, is outstanding. As is the writing. The author is a very classy writer, and I am very much looking forward to reading the recently published sequel called simply 'Merivel'.
What do You think about Restoration (1994)?
Tremain’s book is written in first-person, which doesn’t usually work for me, but I really enjoyed this. The book follows the misadventures of Robert Merivel, who is really immature and even a little thick at times, despite being a rather gifted physician. In his pursuit of pleasures, finery, and a courtier lifestyle at Whitehall, he loses sight (if indeed he ever had it) of the important things in life. Merivel is, at the beginning of the story (and indeed in several episodes throughout), a very weak fellow. Some reviewers stated that Merivel doesn’t change, and I would have to disagree – the reduced circumstances he lives through do impact him, although he perhaps isn’t able to see it for himself. He loves people he shouldn’t, and doesn’t love those he should – a problem that faces many people I think! SCL rating: 4.5
—Andrea Zuvich
One of Rose Tremain's earlier novels,set in the 1660s,and culminating in scenes around the Great Fire of London of September 1666.A satisfying blend of fact & speculation,which takes few liberties with reality,& encapsulates in the rise & fall & rise again of surgeon Robert Merivel,friend & confidante of the king himself,the Merry Monarch,Charles II.A cast of well-drawn characters & some meaty discourses on the nature of worldly success,the treatment of the mentally disturbed,& the state of England after the Restoration, give 'Restoration' the feel of a serious book,but it never fails to entertain too, with a liberal dose of sexual shenanigans & intrigues.I would freely recommend this novel as an antidote to pretentious post-modern novels,& the deathly prose of literary fiction.
—Andrew O'byrne
A really enjoyable Restoration farce with a great deal of heart. Robert Merivel is a would be physician and son of a glove-maker to the king. He lives for pleasure and is something of a rake and does not take his medical studies too seriously. He comes to the attention of the king and for a while he is part of the court and plays the fool. The king decides to marry him to one of his mistresses. This involves going to live on an estate in the country and much partying and debauchery ensued.Merivel eventually falls and loses everything. He ends up working in a Quaker madhouse as a physician in the Fens. He also moves back to London and experiences the plague of 1665 and the fire of 1666. Lots of gaps there to avoid spoilers.It is very funny, beautifully written and most of all there is real character development; not just for Merivel, but also for the excellent supporting cast. Although there is a touch of Tom Jones about it; the descriptions of madness are moving and perceptive.This could have been awful, but it is rather good and there are some very funny passages; watch out for the Indian Nightingale and Merivel's attempts at painting (inventing impressionism in the 1660s only to be ridiculed). All in all a good historical comic novel.
—Paul
