The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Amy   

Lynnie

 

contemporary fiction

An antisocial 64-year old working as a postman in Britain has a big secret that has fueled his private and isolated lifestyle. He has felt alone, ashamed, and abandoned. Yet, he is kind, caring, and capable.  When faced with extreme life changes beyond his control, he finally decides to look ahead to something better after 50 years of hiding and he lets himself connect with others. 

Amy's Review

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle was a sweet tale. The characters were fun and I do love a story where characters grow and improve their lives. I also love a story that aims to open readers’ eyes to truths and allows them to experience life from, possibly, an angle they hadn’t considered or been exposed to before.

However, lacking subtlety, the story was unrealistically extreme. Let me be clear, I appreciate and applaud what Matt Cain was trying to do. But I found it hard to believe Albert’s sudden about-face. While I can understand that trauma provoked changes, he took on an entirely new persona overnight rather than gradually. After a small life of routine, seclusion, and avoidance, he suddenly was able to  function socially. It just felt implausible. And then, after his new outlook on life, every single new attempt and adventure was positive. Albert never failed to achieve a good outcome or reaction. Even his long-time coworkers didn’t seem to find this new Albert surprising. Mind you, this was great for Albert—just unrealistic to me. Nicole’s story was actually my favorite part of the novel and felt more authentic.

Overall, this is a happy story about connection and love. And if you’re looking for a feel-good novel or need a little push to be yourself, this may be the book you’re looking for. It’s got a fun and positive vibe. 

Lynnie's Review

 

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a sweet story, about a man who has lived most of his adult life hiding who he really is from everyone around him. Yes, it is as lonely and sad as it sounds. As the book blurb tells you, Albert is facing forced retirement from the Royal Mail. This significant life change gives Albert the courage to finally break out of his shell and confront his own reality as a closeted gay man who gave up the love of his life fifty years earlier and has been alone ever since.

I enjoyed Albert and the cast of characters in this novel but I also found much of Matt Cain's book and the way the characters reacted to one another completely unrealistic. It was so weird to me to see characters who were not only unfriendly toward, but also downright hostile toward, Albert one day have a complete 180-degree attitude change. And to see Albert so willing to accept these shifts in attitude was... weird.

I adored his young friend Nicole because I really liked how the two of them, despite their different situations in life, really accepted and supported one another unconditionally. Truthfully, I was much more invested in that relationship than I ultimately was with whether or not Albert would find George - though I felt that was entirely predictable, which may be why I wasn't terribly invested.

I both read the book and listened to the audiobook and I have to say, Simon Vance has a wonderful voice. If not for him I might have abandoned the book or, at least, skimmed ahead. But I enjoyed his narration immensely - to the point that I gravitated toward the audiobook more than the print book which rarely happens for me. I give him an A. If you can listen to this book, I recommend it.