This is a dense book but really interesting. It is historical fiction and tells the tale of a man and his redemption or restoration. It takes place in England during the reign of King Charles. I got a kick out of the references to the royal dogs (like my own Chloe). The lead character endured great tragedy and goes from being an orphaned philanderer who failed medical studies to a favorite of the king who is placed in a palace in the country and married to the king's lover (for appearances sake). He tries his hand at painting and fails.....but continues to make dear and loyal friends along his jaded path. The path meanders and takes him through the kings court, pubs, royal gardens, the beds of laundresses and eventually a mental institution in the country. I felt very transported by this book and it's beautifully written.