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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle was highly recommended by members of the Modern Mrs. Darcy bookclub, and fabulousy read by Simon Vance.
It's another entry into the old-person-gets-new-lease-on-life-and-nnew-young-friends trope I fall for everytime.
The unique selling point here is the old person is a closeted homeosexual finally experiencing the winds of positive social change. I enjoyed the characters and appreciate Albert's journey but - even though I agree with the socially liberal slant - it just felt like he was piling on. He is too heavy handed with the central themes and "told" us things the story itself could sufficiently illustrate.The plot line(s) also got a bit over the top with everything turning out sunshiny every step of the way even for tertiary characters.
Two other things in particular struck me - is the author himself gay? He really leaned into stereotypes and I don't know if that was supposed to be instructional or if he was sincerely drawing those characters. And for all his work pushing inclusion and fighting judgement, he comes pretty close to fat shaming a few times.
All in all it was okay and I finished it, but it came off feeling like a feel-good for white suburbanites moreso than a hopeful or celebratory book for the marginalized.
It's another entry into the old-person-gets-new-lease-on-life-and-nnew-young-friends trope I fall for everytime.
The unique selling point here is the old person is a closeted homeosexual finally experiencing the winds of positive social change. I enjoyed the characters and appreciate Albert's journey but - even though I agree with the socially liberal slant - it just felt like he was piling on. He is too heavy handed with the central themes and "told" us things the story itself could sufficiently illustrate.The plot line(s) also got a bit over the top with everything turning out sunshiny every step of the way even for tertiary characters.
Two other things in particular struck me - is the author himself gay? He really leaned into stereotypes and I don't know if that was supposed to be instructional or if he was sincerely drawing those characters. And for all his work pushing inclusion and fighting judgement, he comes pretty close to fat shaming a few times.
All in all it was okay and I finished it, but it came off feeling like a feel-good for white suburbanites moreso than a hopeful or celebratory book for the marginalized.
Ugh my heart! I love Albert and his journey so much. Highly recommend this one.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sweetest book i've ever read, its crazy how different things were just a few years back
i do love a good coming of age love story, and it was super interesting to get the perspective of someone who is going on their journey later in life. it was heartwarming to hear about a lonely man find friendship and belonging in a community in which he’s always been on the outskirts.
however, almost every character in this book felt like a walking stereotype. also hey!! stop going into gay bars and bashing women!! lesbians and other queer women exist too thank u. also also, “mixed-race” is not a good enough character description. mixed with what?? shockingly, we all actually look very different.
however, almost every character in this book felt like a walking stereotype. also hey!! stop going into gay bars and bashing women!! lesbians and other queer women exist too thank u. also also, “mixed-race” is not a good enough character description. mixed with what?? shockingly, we all actually look very different.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Felt like the man called ovo but less endearing.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes