Restoration

Robert Merivel is a 17th century medical student who helps the restored Charkes 2nd by marrying one of his mistresses (on paper!), but loses his new wealth and position when he falls in love with her. He eventually finds personal restoration and returns to London after working in a Quaker bedlam.

I found the historical setting quite convincing and Robert did not come across as a relatively modern narrator. The medical outlook and techniques seem appropriate for the time. Though I would query him referring to ‘hectares' rather than acres (the new King preferring people to use the French words for things); as I understand that the metric system was not introduced by the French until the nineteenth century.

What struck me after finishing the book was that the main character was not closely involved with the significant political events of the day; being a relatively unimportant figure with no influence on events happening around him.

His relationship with his Puritan friend Pearce reflects the tensions many friends and families would have had adjusting to the political and religious changes under Charles II.

Robert, particularly at the beginning, appears weak and shallow; and I didn't feel sympathetic when his new-found wealth and prestige was as suddenly lost. His personal restoration while working with Pearce and his Quaker friends contrasts with the gaudy opulence of his days as a nobleman. When he returns to London, renews his career and becomes a father; I found that I cared more about his fate and was keen to find out how the story ends.

I would recommend this book to those who want more from a historical novel than bodice-ripping romance or climactic battles.