The Royal Physician's Visit - by Per Olov Enquist (Paperback)

About the Book

This masterful historical novel, an international bestseller, pulls readers into the dramatic and turbulent world of a doctor who became the court physician to the mentally unstable King Christian VII.

Book Synopsis

This masterful historical novel, an international bestseller, pulls readers into the dramatic and turbulent world of a doctor who became the court physician to the mentally unstable King Christian VII.

The influence of he charismatic German doctor over the young king allowed him to implement sweeping reforms that modernized Denmark, but his progressive ideas and intimate affair with Queen Caroline Mathilde sparked controversy and jealousy within the court.

As the doctor's power grew, so did the opposition against him, leading to a tragic and inevitable downfall.

Enquist's compelling narrative weaves together themes of power, love, and political intrigue, offering readers a gripping tale of ambition and betrayal. With rich historical detail and complex characters, The Royal Physician's Visit is literary historical fiction at its best.

Review Quotes

"Realized with a vividness and subtlety that place the book in the front ranks of contemporary literary fiction." --"The New York Times Book Review"
"An extraordinarily elegant and gorgeous novel." --"Los Angeles Times"
"An enthralling fable of the temptations of power--and a surprisingly poignant love story." --"Time"

About the Author

Per Olov Enquist is the Swedish journalist, playwright, and novelist. "The Royal Physician's Visit" received the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize, the August Prize, and the Nelly Sachs Prize, and was shortlisted for the IMPAC literary award.
Tiina Nunnally has translated work by Astrid Lindgren, Henning Mankell, and Peter Hoeg, among others.