Do you know that someone who is quiet, to themselves, never speaks to anyone in the room and when addressed, fumbles for words. That is the main character in Matt Cain's newest title, The Secret Life Albert Entwistle.

Cain takes you on a journey in Albert's life from that reclusive individual to someone who finds acceptance and love in all the unknown places. At 64, Albert is being forced to retire from is Royal Mail post which sends him into a whirlwind of the unknown. His self identity of over decades is being forced to change and he, for the first time, is wanting to make his future different. Determined to reconnect with his life long love, George, his journey is just beginning. With the help of coworkers, newly forged friendships and the random unknowns, Albert is able to break through his self-made barriers and find at least a version of what he was looking for. What we are all looking for... acceptance, love and happiness.

What worked for me was everything about this book! I can not express enough just how amazing the vocal actor embodied Albert and truely made him come alive! The story's progression was impeccable and new characters were introduced at just the right time. Secondary plot points worked, the English location worked, have I said how everything worked?

I can not recommend this title enough! So, if you are a fan of The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo, A Man Called Ove, or any character driven novel, you can not pass up this book.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for lending me the pleasure of experiencing this title with an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review! And get to reading or listening to this people.

Final rating is 4 solid stars

Albert Entwistle is a 64 year old postal carrier, who is being forced to retire at his 65th birthday. He lives alone, is private - hiding his true self, and has no life outside his job. He doesn't know what he is going to do. Through flashbacks, we learn about his relationship with George, the young man he loved as a teenager and has never forgotten or stopped loving. Growing up in a time where homosexuality was illegal, he hid his true self from everyone. He decides to try and find George as well as be open and honest about his life and true self. What happens next is amazing.

I really enjoyed this story. Albert was a character I wanted to reach out to and give a huge hug. I had so many emotions while reading and listening to this story: sadness, anger, happiness and joy. Based on the laws at the time, a father who was a police officer and the opinion of people, Albert gave up the love of his life as well as any happiness. He lived in fear of what others would think long after he has to, based on his upbringing. The only thing he has in his life besides his job is his cat, Gracy. I loved seeing him drop the veil and share his secret with others. Each time someone accepted his news, he changed. His search for George hit many roadblocks, but I was happy he didn't give up. There was also Nicole's story about the hurdles she has of being a single mother, as well as being black. She and Albert became friends and supported as well as encouraged each other to fight for their love. This is a story of discrimination faced by non-heterosexual persons. It shares how important it is to have supportive people in your life (parents, family and friends). There were a lot around, but Albert didn't realize that. It is also a story showing that it is important to be who you are, how hiding will affect your life and being honest. Matt Cain has written a story based on research and real people. I highly recommend it. Simon Vance does a wonderful job with the narration and I enjoyed both listening and reading this book.

Overall an enjoyable read, but it felt lost in what characters it was putting first. I loved Nicole, but she didn’t feel as central to the story as I had hoped for. It was a depressing read for much of the book. Klune fans would enjoy this.

Thank you Netgalley for this audio edition of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.

Listen, if you are in the market for some older LGBTQ+ absolute heart candy, look no further! It truly doesn't get sweeter.

Albert Entwistle is an mail carrier in his 60's who is married to his job, and possibly his cat. He thrives on the structure and routine, and has zero interest in changing anything. But change comes anyway when his mandatory retirement looms over his head.

While Albert reconciles with the end of his career, he can't help but also reminisce early days. Being a closeted young man during times that didn't smile on homosexuality kept him firmly in the closet, except for when he met George. But George has been gone from his life for decades, so surely Albert has no chance in reconnecting with him...

Like I said, darling! Full of friendships, awakenings, discoveries, and healing. It's written with a loving hand and compelling characters. You just can't go wrong.

I was not able to finish this book at this time due to the possibile (and very probable) cat death. I really enjoyed the narrator and it had gotten a few chuckles out of me. But I was sold a lighthearted cute story about an old gay man, I did not expect to mourn a beloved pet dying. I am very sorry that I cannot finish it, and maybe down the road when I'm more prepared I will try again.

What a charming, heartwarming book this is! I enjoyed listening to Albert’s story in the audiobook (although Nicole would have benefited from a feminine voice!) and exploring who he was and getting snapshots of his past throughout, building up a picture of his relationship with George and with his parents and everything that has led him to where he is now - quiet, alone and embarrassed of and guarded about his sexuality. I was cheering Albert on throughout.

It was such a pleasure to read this book, and learn more about the history of the law and treatment of gay people in British history, whilst also being able to treasure Albert’s relationship with George which is so pure and happy before they’re pushed apart. As the story progresses, Albert emerges from his self-imposed isolation (brought about by a lot of shame and trauma) and it’s joyful to see him building relationships and opening himself up, embracing himself, his joys and fears, and his long-repressed sexuality. The array of characters were engaging and all brought something to the story. And, alongside Albert’s narrative, having an almost parallel tale from young Nicole and boyfriend Jamie - albeit facing different stereotypes and hostility - brought another element to the story and further supported the idea of challenging these stereotypes and standing up for yourself and for love, whatever other people think. It has made me feel very inspired!

The real life stories at the end of the book, offering people’s stories of their own experiences of being gay at a time when it was illegal were a lovely but heartbreaking addition to the book. This book gave a voice to a whole generation of gay men and including a few true accounts truly brought home how significant and harmful the history the author’s shining a light on was. It’s a relief to know that things have come such a long way since then but still saddening to know there’s so much further to go before everyone will feel safe to be themselves and love freely.

this book tells the story of albert, a postman so set in his routine that when he´s notified about
his inevitable retirement from the job he's had for the majority of his life, he starts to realize the lonely and unhappy life he´s been leading.
this is a story about lost love, acceptence and learning to live the life that trully make´s you happy.
also, i love the extra content at the end, where we can listen to interviews with man that lived through
similar situations to albert.
all togather an amazing read.

The story follows Albert, who at the age of 64 is finally ready to start his life. He goes on a journey to find his lost love. As someone who was a closeted gay man who grew up in the 70's in the UK when gay people were generally not accepted, he is finally ready to step out and rejoin the world. I loved the narrator. This was basically a coming-of-age story about a 64 year old man. I enjoyed it.

Reviews said this was a read alike to authors Backman and Klune and those are very apt comparisons. Just a nice story about nice people. A refreshing balm of a book. Listened to the audio and narration was good. Recommended!

Thank you to #NetGalley for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

#TheSecretLifeofAlbertEntwistle #NetGalley

My Interest
While their stories are vastly different, this story made me think of a distant cousin who came out at age 70. It also fit my goal of reading (in this case listening) to more books written by men. Plus, there’s a cat mentioned in the blurb.

The Story
First a tiny problem: I thought this was modern day. Everyone has cool phones, wifi etc, yet it says Albert is retiring at age 65. Fine–that would make him a year older than my brother. Heri.e.e’s the problem in the story he uses 1953 in his password and he leaves school in 1969. Hmmm. If he was 65 today, he’d have been 12 in 1969.

Now the story….

Albert has spent his whole life living in the same town, in the same house and has only had the one job–as a postman (mailman). Back when he was a teenager, when being gay was still a crime in the U.K. [“England” not the University of Kentucky], he fell in love with a new boy in his school named George. Now he is facing retirement and lonely. He looks back on his life and what went on in those days. His police officer father who spoke so derogatorily of the men who hooked up in the public restrooms, the teasing and even bullying of effeminate boys at school. Today, things are different. Albert is a kind soul. He does good in his life. But there is one act that act he can’t forgive himself for and he needs to right that wrong.

Meanwhile, on a nasty housing estate (i.e. a bad government housing project), Nicole is a young, single Black mother trying to bring up her daughter after the father deserted them (somethings are the same the world over). She is struggling to get thru her Cosmetology School and get a job as a stylist and nail technician. She has big plans–she wants to have a mobile salon (I’d love to have that come to my house). Her new buy is a college student (“at Uni”) and is suddenly giving her a song-and-dance about his parents and the allowance the give him.

Albert and Nicole come to be friends when Albert asks her to help him with his new phone. He advises her on the boyfriend, while she helps him find his old love. Together they find companionship and true friendship and have a good bit of fun together.

My Thoughts
I wasn’t sure how this book would go down with me. If it was uber-woke, I’d toss it. Thankfully, it was delightful. I learned that those who fought for gay rights, cared for and watched friends die of AIDS, and advocated for new laws, may not be so terribly thrilled when someone like Albert (or my distant cousin) comes out after the “hard work” is done. That surprised me, but only because I do not live in that culture and, until last year, I’d worked in a very conservative college and was a tad too sheltered. (Take today: I had to Google what “DEI Skills” meant. Turns out my very conservative former employer actually HAD them, just didn’t call them that. And yes, of course they could have done way better at it, but that’s a different post).

I liked Albert–the writing about his loneliness, his fear of reaching out–I totally understood that. It was so well put that I got teary a few times. And, oh his sweet Gracie-cat! Oh! I felt for Nicole–the guy can always leave. Always. I’ve been a single Mom, but I was one by choice. It sucks even though for my kids I’d do it all over again any time. I’ve also been her boyfriend’s parents–advising my kids to skip, or at least go very slow, with potential partners who already have kids in your 20s. It’s that hard to be a young parent–and the single parent has a ton of stuff to work out.

Small Spoiler (sorry, I just have to)

But, it was George I liked most. I’m not really into drag Queens–they’re fun in their way and I loved Julie Murphy’s books with them in them, but I can take it or leave it. George, though, is a drag queen now and a fairly well-known one. And, George was my favorite character. He never let anyone stop him from being who he was. He fought to change the world for teenage boys (and girls and other genders) just like him–marginalized for seeing things differently. He was true to himself. He took the risks knowingly, while Albert stayed home and delivered the mail, took care of a mother he came to loathe and loved his sweet, wonderful, cat. Albert did many sweet and lovely things for people, but George fought for the common good and didn’t compromise. I liked that. I liked Albert, too. Anyone who does what he did for Edith–well, he’s a good guy. In fact, I liked all the characters. This was a really good read.

Ok for starters, this book was AMAZING! I enjoyed all aspects of the story (especially Gracie, because who doesn't love a good cat). So, without further ado, let's get into the summary:

The story follows Albert Entwistle, a 65-year-old postman who lives alone with his cat, Gracie. Albert’s whole life revolves around his work, but, as he approaches his birthday, the Royal Mail sends him a letter forcing him into retirement. As he contemplates his new life, he resolves to live his life more authentically; starting by looking for George, his long-lost love.

I loved this book! The story was heartwarming and heartbreaking in the best way. Albert’s flashbacks to his memories with George are the epitome of a great love story. At the same time, you learn about the homophobia Albert experienced growing up in the 1970s. The two stories weave together a complex narrative of love, loss, self-discovery, and acceptance.

Another aspect of the story I enjoyed was Nicole's story. Nicole is one of Albert's neighbors and grows to be a good friend. On the surface, they couldn't seem more different. Albert is an older man who lives alone and Nicole is a 19-year-old mom working to become a stylist. However, as we learn more about Nicole, it's clear they're not so different after all (and can learn a lot from one another). Their friendship was extremely touching and, in my opinion, added a lot of value to the story.

Finally, Albert's journey of embracing his sexuality is both important and timely. His journey feels authentic and realistic. The representation of Albert, an older man, coming to terms with his sexuality later in life is one I haven't seen in a book thus far.

Many people described this as a 'feel good' read. I would have to agree with that assessment overall. Not all of the story is happy and cheery, but the complete journey will tug at your heartstrings. I highly HIGHLY recommend you give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy of it to listen to as an arc!

I absolutely loved this book – it was both engaging and entertaining. The author creates a well-researched and easy-to-love character. Through a series of reflections based on Albert finding love as a teenager fifty years ago, the reader experiences and contrasts the life of a gay man then and now.

As the book begins, we are introduced to Albert who is three months shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and facing mandatory retirement from his job as a letter carrier. Since the death of his mother eighteen years before, Albert has led a solitary life. He chose not to engage in conversation that was not directed at him and had no friends. His only company at home was his cat.

Albert begins to examine his life now and what he hopes it will be. His loneliness and despair of what has become of his life are evident. He begins reflecting on what it was like to be in love as a teenager in a relationship with George. The circumstances of why this relationship dissolves are very moving.

On his quest to find George, Albert finds himself a circle of friends who provide support and much-needed companionship. He finds himself for the first time revealing his true self. It was incredibly beautiful to read about this man coming out and his journey to find the life he now wants and deserves.

This is an important read for those who are unfamiliar with how far homosexuality has progressed in the past fifty years. The book is written with compassion and care and is one that I will remember for many years to come.

I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which was narrated by Simon Vance. His performance was outstanding. He represented Albert well providing a natural and easy to listen to performance. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version of this book which elevates an already amazing book.

I adore this book. It’s so nice reading a queer fiction about older characters (and by this I mean even 20+ year olds. So having an mc in his 60s was so nice and such a good change of pace). When the majority seems to be YA it can get tiring. I absolutely love the journey Albert went through, it made me incredibly happy to seem him embrace his true self and befriend the people around him. I think this was well paced and I didn’t lose interest at all, actually the more I read the more I wanted.

Synopsis: Albert is stuck in his ways, carrying out the same routine every day and keeping to himself at his job as a postman. When he gets a letter reminding him that he will need to retire on his upcoming birthday, he is forced to change his ways. He branches out and talks to his coworkers and tries to track down his long lost love. He starts talking with more and more people and befriending them and including them in his life as he begins his next journey.

Since this book was marketed for fans of Fredrik Backman (one of my favorite authors) and TJ Klune, I expected a gay Ove. That was only partially true. Albert is not like Ove, but he is gay, and I found that the way this influenced the story was especially well done. It focused a lot on the then vs. now reactions of homophobia and acceptance, and didn’t entirely sugar coat his experience in coming out as an older gay man.

I also loved his journey to finding his long lost love and the way he developed friendships on the way. The reunion was beautiful and realistic, and I loved the friendship aspects most of all. This was a heartwarming read and was very well written, and I would definitely recommend it. I enjoyed reading this one on audio, too, and I thought the narrator did a great job conveying emotion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

What can I saw about this book? It is near perfection. A love story, a coming of age story, a grumpy old man with a heart of gold story. It is all that and so much more. Albert loses is cat around the same time he is forced into retirement. This prompts a lot of reflection for Albert that in turn, leads to a lot of change and discovery. It is well written and simply a beautiful story about being true to oneself.

This book is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Albert Entwistle is a postman. He is a quiet and reserved man, who has decided he is tired of hiding himself from the world. Especially since what he is hiding is no longer a crime.
In the 1960s, men loving men, was very illegal. Police raids happened often. Romance had to be secret, if it were to happen at all. This book does a great job detailing the horrors that could happen if a man was caught loving another man. These laws made Albert hide himself away, and I’m doing so he lost his one great love.

This book is worth the read. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. The book will show you how to love, and why loving someone is not always a choice.

Matt Cain’s The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is devastatingly beautiful!

Albert Entwistle, has just learned he will be forced to retire from his postal job of over fifty years. He has devoted his entire life to hiding who he is- a gay man. The job he is being stripped of is his only connection to the outside world.

During the 1960s and 70s, when Albert was growing up, it was not only dangerous to be gay, it was illegal. After being discovered by his father, a cop, Albert was forced to make a decision between the love of his life, George, or being accepted by society. The decision he made as a teenager has haunted Albert, and left him a shell of a man.

The book is a commentary of what can happen when we live our lives for other’s instead of ourselves. We not only sacrifice our happiness, but we suppress the person we were meant to be.

Albert’s journey of suppressed sexuality and self hatred is one everyone should read. You will laugh, cry and rejoice as Albert embarks on a journey of self discovery that leads to a community of his own and proves it is never too late for a happily ever after.

Special thanks to NetGalley.com and RB Media for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

Thank you so much to Netgally and the publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book!

Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 3/5
Setting: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5

This book did not end up being what I was expecting, but was extremely heartwarming nevertheless. Definitely worth picking up!

I don't know what it is, but I am drawn to books about older characters recently (Ove, Missy, the Thursday Murder Club etc) I find these characters fascinating and so when I read the premise of this one I knew I had to read it, and I was not disappointed. Albert is now being added to the growing list of my favourite older characters.

If you combine Elinor Oliphant is completely fine and A man called Ove you will get this book. I was rooting for Albert from the get go and I really loved reading about how he was able to come out of his shell, push pass his comfort zone and go for what he wanted. There is a great cast of supporting characters in this one who help Albert on his journey of self discovery and growth, and I fell in love with them all.

This book has a bit of everything and I think the message will resonate with a lot of people.

Great narrator

I do love stories of older people, especially when they’re not depressive, but this was too formulaic for me. H ou we et i suspect most people will enjoy spending time with Albert.