Review: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Happy publication day to The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain! This is a lovely story of one man's quest for his happy ending. 

It's never too late to start your life's big adventure...

Albert Entwistle was a postman. It was one of the few things everyone knew about him. And it was one of the few things he was comfortable with people knowing.

64-year-old Albert Entwistle has been a postie in a quiet town in Northern England for all his life, living alone since the death of his mam 18 years ago. He keeps himself to himself. He always has. But he's just learned he'll be forced to retire at his next birthday. With no friends and nothing to look forward to, the lonely future he faces terrifies him. He realises it's finally time to be honest about who he is. He must learn to ask for what he wants. And he must find the courage to look for George, the man that, many years ago, he lost - but has never forgotten . . .

This story follows Albert, a reclusive postman who, nearing retirement, dreads spending the rest of his life alone. He decides to try and track down the lost love of his life George, a man who he hasn't seen for almost 50 years. What follows is Albert's journey of discovery, both about himself as he opens himself up to new experiences, and about just how much society has changed since he and George were torn apart all those years ago. 

Albert was a lovely, genuine character who I really warmed to. A proper down to earth Northerner who you can't help but root for not only to find love, but friendship and community too. The supporting characters cover a real cross section of society, from Albert's colleagues and people on his postal rounds to those he meets along his journey to finding George, and it's wonderful to see how they all come together to support him. 

Ultimately this book is a celebration of just how far the acceptance of homosexuality in society has come. The flashbacks to Albert's youth, the attitude of his father and school friends towards gay men and the events that brought about the end of Albert and George's short lived relationship were heartbreaking to read, and Albert's surprise at how the world has changed since then was just lovely. 

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a heartwarming tale of love, life and second chances. 

*Thanks to Rosie at Headline for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!*