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what_heather_loves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
"Throughout the show, Ted is transfixed. He can't help thinking of the kind of performances he's like to give and the drag persona he'd like to adopt. As he does, he becomes aware of just how much his spirit has been suppressed and shackled. He's aware of it struggling to break free."
The reader meets Ted as his husband of twenty years leaves him. Living in his seaside home town on the Lancashire coast, he has ended up managing his family business with his parents - Ashworths Ice Cream. Except Ted doesn't like ice cream and he dreams of being a drag queen.
Ted is a wonderful character, who I wanted to hug and tell him to go for it, although it was completely understandable why he had lost his way, with a husband like Giles. Whilst it's a joyful and uplifting novel, as the blurb says, it has emotional depth and vital messages about identity and belonging. Through Ted and Stanley (his new elderly friend), Oskar and his father Andrzej, the author demonstrates the years of prejudice and intolerance gay people have faced in the past and continue to do so today. Covering challenging subjects with sensitivity and perspective ensured they were skillfully woven into the plot. I loved reading Ted's journey to finding himself and living the life he deserves too, his friendship with Denise and his changing relationship as well as his blossoming love with Oskar. It's affectionate, funny, engaging and heartfelt.
I read this after listening to the author at a #TheBookTasterBookClub virtual event and will definitely read more of his novels. I think this would be excellent adapted for TV!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Xenophobia and Abortion