Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Anderon

It is 16 (fictional) years since we last encountered Rose Tremain’s charmingly humanist and easily humiliated courtier, Robert Merivel. Her Booker Prize-nominated novel Restoration, which introduced us to Merivel, ended with him clutching his baby daughter and working as a country doctor in Norfolk. The discovery of a hidden journal, noting his more glorious, glamorous years in the court of Charles II, reawakens a desire for the good life.

Thus begins another picaresque adventure, which is detailed enough to last for three weeks in this slot. As with Restoration, Merivel experiences the gladdest and the saddest of times, but he never loses the humour that makes him so lovable, nor the good spirit that permits forgiveness of his many foibles.

About this programme

1/15. By Rose Tremain, abridged by Sally Marmion. The sequel to her Booker short-listed novel Restoration sees the author return to the character of Merivel, a physician acquainted with King Charles II, who sets out to reinvigorate his life as the prospect of old age approaches. Read by Nicholas Woodeson.

Cast and crew

Cast

Reader: Nicholas Woodeson

Crew

Abridged By: Sally Marmion
Producer: Di Speirs
Writer: Rose Tremain

Categories: Arts

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