The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
Published by Headline Review 2021
Albert is surprised to discover he’s about to retire. He has no friends, unless you count Gracie, and he has nothing to look forward to. Is it too late to change, to make something of his life, to find love?
I’m not a fan of romantic novels, especially those about lost loves, and the characters in this book are a bit obvious. The plot is also quite contrived. But, and it’s a big but, I still loved this book. Why? The following extract probably sums up why this is such a moving story
“Nicole looked in his eyes and smiled. It wasn’t a sympathetic smile. It wasn’t a dismissive smile. It was the smile of a friend.”
Maybe there’s a chance that, 50 years after their disastrous last meeting Albert will be reunited with George. Maybe there’ll be a happy ending…but first Albert needs to learn how to make friends and to share the secret he’s kept his whole life.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.
