Restoration: A Novel of Seventeenth-Century England (Abridged) Audiobook

" When I first started this book I expected that it would be a 5 star review. I really loved the humor and detail of the first half of the story - at times it even had me laughing out loud. I found the character of Merivel to be hilariously self-depricating and his outlook on life made the story incredibly interesting. However, by the time I reached the second half, the book lost about 90% of its appeal. Suddenly, the light-hearted, fun story about the king's fool was replaced by a depressing, dark story of unrequited love, falling from favor, and being surrounded by the mentally ill. I found myself very confused while reading the rest of the book (and skimming parts of it) because it just didn't feel like the same author to me anymore. Overall, I came to actually dislike Merivel at the end because of his inability to love and actually 'grow up.' I thought he was still a child at the end - only now he had much less than he had started with. Maybe the book had a moral to it but if it did it was somewhat lost on me because of the drastic change in style halfway through. I absolutely love Charles II and his court and was really enjoying the description of it at the beginning. If it had been that way throughout the whole book, it certainly would have been a 5 star review. Buy it, try it out, and form your own opinion! You might enjoy the second half more than I did! "

" One of my favorite books. "

" A cynical view of Charles II era told by an anatomy student, after the civil war and Cromwell government. "

" This is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking works of historical fiction that I've ever read. "

" Much better than it really should be given ridiculousness of main character/ plot. "

" She is a genius! She writes circles around her supposed equals ... not to mention names but... Julian Barnes and Ian McEwan could learn a thing or two about writing from her! "

" They butchered the film but I loved this book. "

" I like historical novels, but this one was pretty loosely based on the era of Charles II. The idea of self discovery and finding purpose in life was too too today. The ending was also pretty flat. The prose reads beautifully but as a whole, the book was pretty ho-hum. "

" Such detail into the workings of 17th century society, yet ridiculously funny. A very enjoying read. "

" What a delightful book.. I will be looking for more Rose Tremaine books "

" Protagonist is completely loathesome but the book itself is splendid and highly entertaining - not least in the main characters continuous misfortunes. "

" Hmmmm. I really wanted to like this. I tried really hard. It lasted me for ages and quite frankly, I'm not sure it was worth it. "

" Not the sort of book I'd usually read (historical fiction) but it was recommended to me. I learned a lot about the late 17th century. Merrivel was painted sympathetically despite all his faults and I like the way he became aware of them through his dealings with others. "

" I bought this after seeing the movie. I enjoyed the book - it is a quick and easy read. "

" Loved her writing style and the amazing story. "

" vaguely good romp through Charles II, historically accurte but fictitious plot. "

" Although this was very well written and had a wonderful story with a good ending, I just couldn't get into 16th century England. Another person might find it fascinating... "

" This is one of Rose Tremain's best novels, her ability to create colour, scenery and emotion is brilliant. The film of this is also good, and it was quite pleasant to imagine Robert Downey Jr as I was reading! "

" Selfish manipulating pigs exist in all centuries. This is a well written portrait of one of them! "

" Loved it - except, possibly the end! "

" Enchanting. Completely captivated. An historical novel, 17th century. The writing is wonderful and the characters engrossing. "

" I started by disliking the protagonist, which makes reading difficult with a first person narrative, but gradually became more sympathetic to him as his journey mellows him and he loses his obsession with the king. A vivid picture of a fascinating period. "

" I love this book. One of the best historical novels ever. It's funny and sad and suspenseful. Brilliant characterization. Can't recommend this book too highly. "

" Wolf Hall it is not but yet shortlisted for a Booker nonetheless. Needless to say, it didn't win. "

" Loved it - except, possibly the end! "

" A beautiful first half, magical prose and a great lead character. Sadly i started to drift in the second half and really struggled to finish it. It might have been me, I still rate Tremain very highly. "

" A fairly good book about Restoration England, about a ne'er-do-well doctor and his redemption through the king's court, a young madwoman, the Plague and the fire of London. Good read, but the movie is even better. "

" Although it was a quick read, (at least for me), and I did feel as though I was in the seventeenth century, the book lacked something! "

" Although this was very well written and had a wonderful story with a good ending, I just couldn't get into 16th century England. Another person might find it fascinating... "

" I like historical novels, but this one was pretty loosely based on the era of Charles II. The idea of self discovery and finding purpose in life was too too today. The ending was also pretty flat. The prose reads beautifully but as a whole, the book was pretty ho-hum. "

" My pick for the book club. My second reading and I enjoyed it again just as much. Nice writing and an engaging story. "