A review by dylankakoulli
Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo
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 Particularly the older two, Barry and Carmel, who are utterly consumed by out of date attitudes, opinions and ideals.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!