diff --git a/src/rpy2/rinterface/__init__.py b/src/rpy2/rinterface/__init__.py
index 0ba46083..1f4265aa 100644
--- a/src/rpy2/rinterface/__init__.py
+++ b/src/rpy2/rinterface/__init__.py
@@ -1100,6 +1100,15 @@ NA = None
 NA_Real = None
 NA_Complex = None
 
+def initr_simple() -> typing.Optional[int]:
+    """Initialize R's embedded C library."""
+    with openrlib.rlock:
+        status = embedded._initr()
+        atexit.register(endr, 0)
+        _rinterface._register_external_symbols()
+        _post_initr_setup()
+        return status
+
 
 def initr(
         interactive: typing.Optional[bool] = None,