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A review by thathappyreader
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
5.0
I absolutely loved this book – it was both engaging and entertaining. The author creates a well-researched and easy-to-love character. Through a series of reflections based on Albert finding love as a teenager fifty years ago, the reader experiences and contrasts the life of a gay man then and now.
As the book begins, we are introduced to Albert who is three months shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and facing mandatory retirement from his job as a letter carrier. Since the death of his mother eighteen years before, Albert has led a solitary life. He chose not to engage in conversation that was not directed at him and had no friends. His only company at home was his cat.
Albert begins to examine his life now and what he hopes it will be. His loneliness and despair of what has become of his life are evident. He begins reflecting on what it was like to be in love as a teenager in a relationship with George. The circumstances of why this relationship dissolves are very moving.
On his quest to find George, Albert finds himself a circle of friends who provide support and much-needed companionship. He finds himself for the first time revealing his true self. It was incredibly beautiful to read about this man coming out and his journey to find the life he now wants and deserves.
This is an important read for those who are unfamiliar with how far homosexuality has progressed in the past fifty years. The book is written with compassion and care and is one that I will remember for many years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which was narrated by Simon Vance. His performance was outstanding. He represented Albert well providing a natural and easy to listen to performance. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version of this book which elevates an already amazing book.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
As the book begins, we are introduced to Albert who is three months shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and facing mandatory retirement from his job as a letter carrier. Since the death of his mother eighteen years before, Albert has led a solitary life. He chose not to engage in conversation that was not directed at him and had no friends. His only company at home was his cat.
Albert begins to examine his life now and what he hopes it will be. His loneliness and despair of what has become of his life are evident. He begins reflecting on what it was like to be in love as a teenager in a relationship with George. The circumstances of why this relationship dissolves are very moving.
On his quest to find George, Albert finds himself a circle of friends who provide support and much-needed companionship. He finds himself for the first time revealing his true self. It was incredibly beautiful to read about this man coming out and his journey to find the life he now wants and deserves.
This is an important read for those who are unfamiliar with how far homosexuality has progressed in the past fifty years. The book is written with compassion and care and is one that I will remember for many years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which was narrated by Simon Vance. His performance was outstanding. He represented Albert well providing a natural and easy to listen to performance. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version of this book which elevates an already amazing book.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.