Merivel

A Man of His Time

Rose Tremain author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:18th Jul '13

Should be back in stock very soon

Merivel cover

In Merivel, Robert Merivel embarks on a quest for renewal in France but faces challenges that test his loyalty and aspirations amidst royal intrigue.

In the aftermath of the Restoration period, Robert Merivel, a physician and former courtier to King Charles II, seeks a new beginning at the French court. His journey takes him to the opulent Palace of Versailles, where the surface glamour of royal life conceals a deeper despair. Struggling to find his place amidst the dazzling yet hollow existence, Merivel's fortunes shift when he encounters the enchanting Madame de Flamanville. This meeting reignites his hopes and inspires him to envision a different future, one filled with love and possibility.

However, the allure of this new life is soon overshadowed by the urgent call of duty. Summoned back to England to care for the ailing king, Merivel must confront the complexities of loyalty and the weight of his responsibilities. As he navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and personal ambition, he grapples with the question of whether he can truly carve out a destiny of his own amidst the demands of those in power.

Merivel is a richly layered narrative that explores themes of ambition, love, and the search for identity in a world that often prioritizes appearances over authenticity. With its vibrant characters and evocative setting, this novel promises to captivate readers, inviting them to reflect on the nature of loyalty and the pursuit of dreams in turbulent times.

Social, political and physical labyrinth -- Frances Osborne * Evening Standard *
Satisfying... agreeably sardonic -- Quentin Letts * Daily Mail *
One of the great imaginative creations in English literature * Daily Telegraph *
An unadulterated delight * Independent *
Rich and satisfying -- Lindsay Duguid * Sunday Times *
A tour de force of literary technique, a treasure house of diligent research and imaginative ingenuity -- Jane Shilling * Telegraph *
Wonderfully entertaining -- Michael Holroyd * Guardian, Books of the Year *
Her feeling for the spirit of the times is triumphant -- Charlotte Moore * Spectator *
A rich, glowing portrait -- Daisy Hay * Observer *
Her characters laugh, cry, plot and flounder so convincingly that they take up residence in your head and refuse to go away -- Mary Crockett * Scotland on Sunday *

  • Short-listed for Walter Scott Prize 2013 (UK)

ISBN: 9780099548430

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm

Weight: 247g

352 pages