rosanne_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.25
elijoh3's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
judithprr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Une lecture sympathique bien que je me sois vue la faire traîner en longueur... La narration avait une forme assez interessante, mais l'ensemble manquait de rythme, même si je reconnais la qualité de la plume. A la fois familière mais riche, elle colle à la personnalité du protagoniste.
Certains personnages sont plutôt détestables, mais peut-être est-ce une impression communiquée par le narrateur ? Ce dernier est néanmoins un régal à suivre, un caractère assez franc, parfois cynique, que j'ai adoré et dans lequel je pourrais presque me reconnaître. En parlant personnage, cœur cœur sur Morris, dont la loyauté était marquante.
A noter que je ne m'attendais pas à un tel déroulé dans l'intrigue, j'espérais plutôt une réflexion marquée sur l'homosexualité cachée du protagoniste et sur son dilemme intérieur de tout plaquer. Paradoxalement, la fin m'a paru arriver un peu rapidement, à la manière d'un cheveu sur la soupe.
Mais, dans sa globalité, elle reste tout de même délicate,, m'ayant mis du baume au cœur !
Certains personnages sont plutôt détestables, mais peut-être est-ce une impression communiquée par le narrateur ? Ce dernier est néanmoins un régal à suivre, un caractère assez franc, parfois cynique, que j'ai adoré et dans lequel je pourrais presque me reconnaître. En parlant personnage, cœur cœur sur Morris, dont la loyauté était marquante.
A noter que je ne m'attendais pas à un tel déroulé dans l'intrigue, j'espérais plutôt une réflexion marquée sur l'homosexualité cachée du protagoniste et sur son dilemme intérieur de tout plaquer. Paradoxalement, la fin m'a paru arriver un peu rapidement, à la manière d'un cheveu sur la soupe.
Mais, dans sa globalité, elle reste tout de même délicate,
Spoiler
sans drama inutileBold
missknock's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
jochno's review against another edition
5.0
[4.5 Stars rounded up] I much preferred this to Girl, Woman Other: the style, poise and poignancy of this was far superior in my opinion at least and its characterisations gained a lot from being in the first person. The characters are well fleshed out and highly engaging. The book was an easy read but not because it in any way skimped out on any of the qualities of literary greatness required of it. Really good book, I did however think the ending was a bit of a theatrical cheesy 90s epilogue style finish which is fine but perhaps meant it slightly pulled its punch at the end. In some ways though I can see why she did it because it's important to show joy.
theresasbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Wahnsinnig gutes Buch, Evaristo schreibt unvergleichbar gut. Man wird durch den schreibstil in die Geschichte gezogen und sieht alles aus einem anderen Blick
lillucys's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo (Booker Prize winner 2019 for Girl, Woman, Other) is the story is of an Antiguan couple, with a husband who decides to leave his wife for his lover of over 50 years.
It is an interesting novel covering 4 generations of one family, two very different places, Antigua and London, and chapters that are jumping between different time periods from 1960 to 2010! Barrington "Barry" Jedidiah Walker, a 74 year old closeted gay man who is known for his impeccable retro suits and trendy dapper hats, is trapped in an unhappy marriage to Carmel, with whom he has 2 daughters.
I read and listened to this book and, although I am not a fan of books that continually jump between time periods, I enjoyed this poignant story which ultimately provided a happy ending to both Barry and Carmel.
It is an interesting novel covering 4 generations of one family, two very different places, Antigua and London, and chapters that are jumping between different time periods from 1960 to 2010! Barrington "Barry" Jedidiah Walker, a 74 year old closeted gay man who is known for his impeccable retro suits and trendy dapper hats, is trapped in an unhappy marriage to Carmel, with whom he has 2 daughters.
I read and listened to this book and, although I am not a fan of books that continually jump between time periods, I enjoyed this poignant story which ultimately provided a happy ending to both Barry and Carmel.
dylankakoulli's review against another edition
3.0
I’m still not quite sure what to make of this one. It was certainly well written, with Everaisto’s flourishing, energetic and infamous rhythmic prose, but unfortunately it didn’t quite hit that sweet spot as much as GWO.
Mr. Loverman centres around the ever eccentric life of 74 year old, Antiguan born, Barrington (Barry) Jedidiah Walker. Who for at least 60 years, has been living a double life. A husband, father, grandfather, but also, a closeted gay black man living in south East London, and one who is deeply in love with his best and oldest friend Morris.
This was such a refreshing and interesting read in terms of subject matter, particularly when it came to reading about Britain’s older Caribbean community and the external expectations placed on them, as well as the internal, prejudicial struggles.
Everaisto imploys an alternating POV in order to explore such a complex, marital story. One full of secrets, lies and comprise, all for the apparent sake of others.
Unfortunately for me, and though I can appreciate Evaristo including Carmel’s perspectives within the narrative, it felt far too brief and lopsided, ultimately making it hard to invest and connect with her on any emotional level and in my opinion felt rather redundant to the story.
Which brings me nicely onto the ever so conflicting cast of characters themselves. Who I have to say, are not the most likeable or empathetic bunch. Particularly the older two, Barry and Carmel, who are utterly consumed by out of date attitudes, opinions and ideals.
Barry especially was real hard work. He’s chauvinistic, sexist, selfish and surprisingly homophobic. Though I guess you could argue he’s also an unfortunate and all to realistic representations of society misogynistic attitudes and fear of self-expression.
Though I don’t think we quite needed to be reminded of such constant and almost self-aggrandised antagonism with no real, or at least redeeming, end game.
Ultimately, reading this book reminded me of the ol’ “product of their time” argument. Where we as a society and individuals, so often pardon or excuse the older generation. Who although may be living in the 21st century, are still very much shrouded and unfortunately susceptible to past, and very much harmful perceptions.
3 stars
P.S. Just want to say, I’m not saying ALL old people are evil. No one is born holding such bigoted and hateful views, they are taught them. I just mean to say that age should be no barrier in unlearning them too.
You’re never too old to change folks!
Mr. Loverman centres around the ever eccentric life of 74 year old, Antiguan born, Barrington (Barry) Jedidiah Walker. Who for at least 60 years, has been living a double life. A husband, father, grandfather, but also, a closeted gay black man living in south East London, and one who is deeply in love with his best and oldest friend Morris.
This was such a refreshing and interesting read in terms of subject matter, particularly when it came to reading about Britain’s older Caribbean community and the external expectations placed on them, as well as the internal, prejudicial struggles.
Everaisto imploys an alternating POV in order to explore such a complex, marital story. One full of secrets, lies and comprise, all for the apparent sake of others.
Unfortunately for me, and though I can appreciate Evaristo including Carmel’s perspectives within the narrative, it felt far too brief and lopsided, ultimately making it hard to invest and connect with her on any emotional level and in my opinion felt rather redundant to the story.
Which brings me nicely onto the ever so conflicting cast of characters themselves. Who I have to say, are not the most likeable or empathetic bunch. Particularly the older two, Barry and Carmel, who are utterly consumed by out of date attitudes, opinions and ideals.
Barry especially was real hard work. He’s chauvinistic, sexist, selfish and surprisingly homophobic. Though I guess you could argue he’s also an unfortunate and all to realistic representations of society misogynistic attitudes and fear of self-expression.
Though I don’t think we quite needed to be reminded of such constant and almost self-aggrandised antagonism with no real, or at least redeeming, end game.
Ultimately, reading this book reminded me of the ol’ “product of their time” argument. Where we as a society and individuals, so often pardon or excuse the older generation. Who although may be living in the 21st century, are still very much shrouded and unfortunately susceptible to past, and very much harmful perceptions.
3 stars
P.S. Just want to say, I’m not saying ALL old people are evil. No one is born holding such bigoted and hateful views, they are taught them. I just mean to say that age should be no barrier in unlearning them too.
You’re never too old to change folks!
elligo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
I always love Bernardine Evaristo's premisses and Mr. Loverman did not disappoint. The characters and the story felt overwhelmingly real and it was interesting for me to get a glimps into a very different culture and generation as I know. As I myself identify within the lgbtqai+ community the story touched me in many different ways and provided a way to access queer history on a micro level. (i feel like that only makes sense in my mind but whatever)
The only thing I can critizise is the writing stile. Mr. Loverman is the second Evaristo book I have read and as with the first one (Girl, Woman, Other) I found the books quite exhausting to read. (I have to say english is not my native language but I would rate my skills a C2 or something like that anyway.)
The only thing I can critizise is the writing stile. Mr. Loverman is the second Evaristo book I have read and as with the first one (Girl, Woman, Other) I found the books quite exhausting to read. (I have to say english is not my native language but I would rate my skills a C2 or something like that anyway.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Domestic abuse
corsarahnera's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting and complex story of a septuagenarian Caribbean homosexual.