The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle / Matt Cain - 3***

[Book Concierge]

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle – Matt Cain
3***

Adapted from the book jacket: 64-year-old Albert Entwistle is a postman with a regular route. Each day he walks the streets of his small English town, delivering letters and parcels, and returning greetings with a quick wave. Albert lives alone with his cat, Gracie; his work is his only interaction with people, limited as it is. And then the letter arrives telling him that mandatory retirement will come with his 65th birthday in three months. Without the work that fills his days, what will Albert do? He has no family, no friends, no hobbies, just a past he never speaks of and a lost love that fills him with regret.

My reactions
This was just delightful. My heart went out to Albert, who, like so many young gay teens, felt compelled to hide his nature and resign himself to a life of loneliness. His story is tragic and all too common, with parents who berated him for who he was and forced him to hide his true nature. And now that they are gone, he has no one but his cat.

I loved watching Albert bloom as he slowly made efforts to truly connect with the people on his route, and to begin searching for George, hoping against hope that he’d find him and, if nothing else, at least be forgiven. It’s a wonderful journey and Albert finds surprising connections, from the elderly (and similarly lonely) Edith to young single mom Nichole, and even the blustery Jack.

Cain also gives us insight into many of the other characters, chiefly Nichole and Marjorie (Albert’s boss). Once Albert comes out of himself a bit he learns that many other people have struggles and face heartaches of their own. He learns much about compassion and friendship, and learns to open up and live rather than just exist.

There are a number of rather unrealistic plot points, but who cares. Albert certainly deserves his HEA!


LINK to my review