Merivel: A Man of His Time – Rose Tremain

It’s 1683 and in our second encounter with Sir Robert we find him 15 years older (and probably a little wiser) than first time around as remembered in Restoration. He’s living in his Bignold estate with his daughter Margaret, active in Norfolk society and doing the rounds of rich and poor in his role as doctor.

When Margaret is invited to spend Christmas in Cornwall with a local family, Merivel averts his descent into self-pitying gloom, turning to King Charles II for an introduction to the court of Le Roi Soleil and the fabulous Palace of Versailles…. and here, after a period of surprising hardship, his amorous adventures on the continent begin….

It was lovely to spend some more time in his very human company. Farewell, Merivel.

Publisher page: Merivel: A Man of His Time – Rose Tremain
The Observer, review (14 July 2013): Merivel: A Man of His Time by Rose Tremain – review