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joelpmcc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Abortion
librariangeorgia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved THE SECRET LIFE OF ALBERT ENTWISTLE that this was an automatic must read. I absolutely adored this book. Such a feel-good, heart-warming story. I loved all the characters, and I liked that there's storylines for each of them rather than some of them just being there in the background. There's just so much to the plot, I highly recommend giving it a go!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Infidelity
james1star's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Massive thank you to NetGalley and Headline publishing house for accepting me as a pre-publication reviewer. This has proved to be one of my favourite books of the year and it’s not even out yet!
Quick plot summary: forty three year old Ted is living a rather pleasant life: has a husband of twenty years, a loving dog, a great best friend, a stable job working for his family’s ice cream shop in a little Lancashire seaside town. But how great is it really? Especially when he’s had to hide his true passion throughout his whole life. When his husband confesses he’s been having an affair and wants to split up, Ted cannot see anything good coming his way… but how wrong he was. Finally he gains the courage - with the help of many great people in his life - to pursue his dream of becoming a drag queen and fully comprehend his (dull, reserved and unauthentic) life before. In doing so, he embarks on the journey of ‘Becoming Ted’.
That was a *very* short summary and there’s a *lot* more that goes on, sub-plots and character storylines but I so wholeheartedly 1000% recommend picking this book up I don’t want to spoil anything and Yhh, you need to experience it first hand I think to truly get the most out of this book. But continue reading I won’t spoil anything, it’s all praise trust me.
Now whilst there was some plot points I personally didn’t like that much, I do appreciate it as a whole and how they lead to certain things happening and just Awgh I cannot get over how satisfied I was with this book. It also deals with many topics; specifically toxic relationships and gaslighting techniques which Ted learns was apparent in his marriage (and with other characters) and has flashbacks to points in time which were done exceptionally well - you are transported back, it makes sense immediately what is happening, you don’t lose sight of the present-day plot and I dunno just wow I loved them and how they’re demarcated with little ice creams!!!! No words. So yes, this exploration of relationships dynamics and understanding possible trauma is handled very well, it’s eye-opening, emotional and gripping. Additionally, homophobia is a present theme both externally in how Ted thinks back to school but mainly with Oskar and Andrzej with the scenes in Poland in the further and more recent past - mentioning LGBT-free zones and Anti-gay protests/marches - but a major part is internal homophobia and how one overcomes it. The fact it’s definitely not an easy ride, with ups and downs, movements forwards and back and how no matter how much you might love someone and want what’s best for them, they need to come to terms with themselves first and truly appreciate they are who they are. Once again I don’t want to explain too much as this self-discovery aspect of the book is a prominent motif in many different ways and to read and understand it first hand is much more impactful.
I think I could honestly write about this book for ages but I don’t want to give things away so I’ll try and stop myself.
But not until I talk about the characters. Awghhhhhh omfg I loved them so much like just wow wow wow!!! Firstly, yes they all have some flaws and nuances (except Lilly the dog - she’s perfect) but this adds to their lovableness and realness too. First off, our ‘main character’ (I did it in ‘’ because he is definitely the mc buttt as it’s written in third person - something I though was slightly a wrong choice as I started reading thinking it would be great in first - with most chapters from Ted’s POV, his bestie Denise and Oskar have their own chapters too where the narrator narrates what is happening with italics representing what that character is thinking in their head. I hope I explained this well and understandable but like once again this was super great and I just loved how we sort of got these other views and then more insight into these characters lives) Ted is so likeable, he’s sweet and kind, funny, just great and you feel for him so much. You experience so much of what he goes through and there are so many relatable and just lovable aspects to his character. Denise is yes flawed but she’s such a great friend and personality, has dealt with a lot and so you understand her outlook. Oskar is just the sweetest omg I can’t. He had to deal with so much trauma growing up and internal hatred and just finding himself. Stanley is purely fantabulosa, he’s just an icon, super super lovable and funny, a great personality but we too get to see some of his painful past. Ted’s parents Hilary and Trevor (and sister Jemima) are the most nuanced I’d say as in you do like them but also some things they have done is a bit ‘ehh’-ey but like you do understand their reasonings and things… I dunno what to feel? I would say I do still like them. Quick fire shout out to these other great characters: Alison, Marina, Mick, Peg Legge, Pussy Squat, Mick and Andrzej too. Giles was by far the most unlikable (well actually Karl is) but then again he has some redeeming qualities and Yhh… read it to see why I don’t hate hate him.
The writing is so great too. It’s super addictive, making you read on and fully encapsulating you. It was honestly physically straining to put it away and do what I needed to do at times. I also just didn’t want to let the characters go so I was in a major predicament of either binging it or spending more time with these icons? And I mostly binged but I can (and will!) give it a reread to revisit St-Luke’s-on-Sea and all it’s fabulous residents. I wouldn’t say the writing is particularly outstanding but it’s very readable and there are some lovely descriptive passages. The dialogue is super realistic, sharp, witty, humorous and Yhh honestly just great. There were also a few great quotes and many many takeaways.
If you didn’t guess already but I loved this book! Like honestly I’m in such awe of these characters, the plot and meanings portrayed. It’s exceptional. I will very likely be placing an order for the physical copy when it becomes available and in the meantime hope to read some more of Matt Cain’s works. bring it on!
P.S. the acknowledgments were super sweet and so much meaning - read them too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Homophobia
Moderate: Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Hate crime
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racism, Cancer, Fatphobia, Grief, Suicide, and Mental illness
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