The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle: the most heartwarming and uplifting love story of the year

Product Information

Yeah, but one thing I've learned is that if you try to do that, you never do put the past behind you - it just tags along in the present. And it burrows into you like some kind of poison. It's only by facing up to it and dealing with all the feelings it brings up that we can learn from it and move on.” Albert's coming out is a wonderfully warm story that had me with earplugs in, listening at every opportunity. It's a story of personal growth, of a man filled with fear and shame who slowly becomes honest with himself, optimistic and looking forward to his future. It's an emotional story. I cried for Albert the teenager, and for his friend George. I was saddened by the unhappy, reclusive man Albert became. I wept tears of joy and relief as Albert found himself, his new self, a man who made friends and helped others. There were places I laughed out loud, and snorted coffee through my nose. The funny thing about the book is that I don’t think Albert has ever thought about what might have happened after, if someone was to find out he desired men rather than women. I don’t think he’s ever even conceived of getting over that hump. Because the life he lives seems worse, in fact, than having to disclose that information and live with the consequences of it. Because Albert is a total spaz when it comes to any living that is outside the home he lives in. Which, mind you, is the home he grew up in, the home he lived with his mother in and then, took care of her until she died. I know that some of you reading the review may be thinking, like I did, that hopefully he had a mother who was there for him, helping him make some kind of an enjoyable life. However, if that was a hope, well, keep hoping for something else for Albert. Note: I have edited this transcript down from the original video to exclude some of the more chatty parts of the conversation so it is not as long. My thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain - Book The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain - Book

The first part of the book was really very sad, following how Albert came to be like he was and jumping between present and his past, but gradually Albert starts to blossom and we see that he doesn't want to be on his own as he starts his quest to find a past love.CW – homophobia, gay bashing, casual racism, death of child with cancer, parental emotional abuse, death of elderly pet Wonderful. Written with such a good heart, filled with joy and strength and optimism . . . inventive and fun but most importantly, true.' RUSSELL T. DAVIES

Goodreads Becoming Ted by Matt Cain | Goodreads

All in all, despite the somewhat formulaic approach, the book offers plenty of insightful content and is a pretty good reading experience. If I had read it, I might have rated it a 3.25-3.5. But the audiobook definitely enhanced my experience and I’ll go with a 4 star. The Netgalley tagline calls this “the most uplifting and ‘heart-warming PERFECT COMFORT LISTEN”, and I agree. Albert knows he can't keep on living this way. He knows he has made mistakes and he lost the love of his life, George. They were teenagers when they fell in love and Albert is responsible for their breakup. After much self-analyzing, he makes a decision. He will open up to people, start looking for George and apologize for what he did. LGBT plays a big part in this book and it was so very well woven through, showing past experiences and how they contrasted with present experiences. The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain is a beautifully written story that will pull at your heartstrings and make you smile through your tears. The protagonist is a sweet lovable character whose story pulls you in. The author touches upon themes of friendship, love, self-acceptance and community. The author sheds a light on discrimination against gay men in the 1970s and the challenges faced by same-sex couples in the same era through conversations with those whose experiences were similar to Albert’s at the end of the book. Yes, the plot was predictable but it is a heartwarming read with an interesting cast of characters that keeps you engaged till the very end. The subplots were well integrated into Albert’s story and it never felt as if the story was digressing. The story was a tad too long but not so much that the reader would lose interest. I switched between reading the book and listening to Simon Vance’s brilliant audio narration which made for a wonderful immersion reading experience.George wasn't like Albert, he couldn't hide his secret. Not as well as Albert. I don’t think, for one moment, that George, now in his sixties ever thought, maybe it wasn’t that George couldn't hide his secret, maybe George didn't want to hide his secret. Because while Albert has spent almost the rest of his life as a postman, the only kind of life lived, watching others live, delivering their mail, always an outsider, watching, which is no way to live, no life at all. And, because Albert chose to keep what he wanted in life a secret, he has been unable to live, at all, seemingly, somewhat paralyzed by fear of others “knowing”.