by Rose Tremain
First published 1996
Robert Merivel serves as physician to King Charles II in the glittering world of Restoration England. The king offers him an unusual bargain: marry Celia, one of the royal mistresses, in name only to provide cover for the monarch's affair. In exchange, Merivel receives wealth, status, and a grand estate. But Merivel breaks the cardinal rule by falling genuinely in love with his beautiful wife. His betrayal costs him everything as the king strips away his newfound fortune and banishes him from court. Cast out from luxury, Merivel must rebuild his life from nothing. He discovers his true calling working among the poor and sick, finding purpose in healing rather than court intrigue. Through loss and redemption, Merivel learns what matters most about love, duty, and finding meaning in service to others.
Genres: drama, romance, literary-fiction, historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, redemption-arc
Setting: Restoration England
Period: 17th Century
Paperback · PLAZA & JANES, 1996.