A review by fionag
Mr. Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book is about immigration, generational values and the impact they can have, homophobia and complex relationships. I love how all of Evaristo’s characters feel very individual which is particularly true here as Barry’s chapters are written in a more standard form while Carmel’s are told in free verse. As characters, I loved hearing from the perspective of the older generation and seeing how generational values of marriage as ultimate and homophobia can leave massive scars. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters but these first generation migrant values and having to have the perfect marriage and faith and life really shows. This book was a lot more sad than I was expecting, truly about a marriage which was completely loveless and a main character who hurts the people he loves most in his life due to being unable to branch out and break away from the norm. Evaristo always writes about issues so well and I love her style. 
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