Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
3.75 stars. A bit saccharine at times but overall thoroughly enjoyed it.
Things I liked:
- an older protagonist
- the cast of characters
- the heartbreak of Albert's teenage years and subsequent half-century of isolation were really poignently portrayed
Things I didn't like:
- the pace was very slow
- it all just felt a little bit too facile and twee
- I wanted a little more of Albert and George's reunion & interaction in the present day, but it ended rather promptly once they'd reconnected
- an older protagonist
- the cast of characters
- the heartbreak of Albert's teenage years and subsequent half-century of isolation were really poignently portrayed
Things I didn't like:
- the pace was very slow
- it all just felt a little bit too facile and twee
- I wanted a little more of Albert and George's reunion & interaction in the present day, but it ended rather promptly once they'd reconnected
This is the sweetest and loveliest thing I have read in decades. I just loved this story ❤️
Thank you so much Matt Cain! I can't wait to read your other books!
Thank you so much Matt Cain! I can't wait to read your other books!
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I picked this up after having enjoyed [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], a similar story about an introverted, closeted, middle-aged man who lives with his cat. For me, the difference between liking that book and not so much this one is that the MC’s transformation in Cerulean Sea happens slowly over time almost without him even realizing it while in this book, Albert’s transformation happens consciously overnight with very little resistance along the way. I commend the character for wanting to make a change and it is a brave decision to make, however it just wasn’t realistic.
What also took me out of the story was the constant stereotyping as well as the book’s portrayal of homophobia and racism. The book beats examples of bigotry and hate over the reader’s head again and again to the point that it was too much. The point of me picking up such a heartwarming and uplifting story was escapism, but it was jarring to read these things so blatantly written on the page.
What also took me out of the story was the constant stereotyping as well as the book’s portrayal of homophobia and racism. The book beats examples of bigotry and hate over the reader’s head again and again to the point that it was too much. The point of me picking up such a heartwarming and uplifting story was escapism, but it was jarring to read these things so blatantly written on the page.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
lovely and warm and full of grace and forgiveness
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of my favorite reads in a while. Were there some problematic bits? Yeah, but overall I enjoyed the writing style and found the MC endearing, especially his growth throughout the book.