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A review by oxnard_montalvo
Mr. Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo
Lol. So I picked this up thinking it was going to be a lighthearted comedy feat. the sexcapades of some cheeky scoundrel, but.
It kind of is about that: the scoundrel is certainly cheeky, and since we are getting the story from his POV, all the damage he causes is minimised and rationalised away, which makes for fascinating reading. Barry is a great voice, his turns of phrase and endless charm (as he sees himself) is fun to read. But then, under the surface of that, the lies. The emotional, psychological fallout of his decisions and choices, and my sympathy for his situation rapidly diminished as I read on.
Loved how Evaristo included the stream of consciousness chapters from his wife's POV. Her bewilderment and hurt regarding her husband's behaviour, his lack of affection was heartbreaking. I found myself actively hoping that she'd go out and have an affair of her own, not just to even the score, but so she got to experience genuine LOVE at some point. And things are tied up neatly(ish) in a way that is gratifying if still bittersweet.
It kind of is about that: the scoundrel is certainly cheeky, and since we are getting the story from his POV, all the damage he causes is minimised and rationalised away, which makes for fascinating reading. Barry is a great voice, his turns of phrase and endless charm (as he sees himself) is fun to read. But then, under the surface of that, the lies. The emotional, psychological fallout of his decisions and choices, and my sympathy for his situation rapidly diminished as I read on.
Loved how Evaristo included the stream of consciousness chapters from his wife's POV. Her bewilderment and hurt regarding her husband's behaviour, his lack of affection was heartbreaking. I found myself actively hoping that she'd go out and have an affair of her own, not just to even the score, but so she got to experience genuine LOVE at some point. And things are tied up neatly(ish) in a way that is gratifying if still bittersweet.