Albert is adorable....awkward, withdrawn but utterly adorable but I want to both hold him close and give him a good shake to wake up

A wonderful, warm story that touched me in a way no other story has. It had me smiling and it also had times when I was sobbing, happy AND sad tears

Albert deserves the world and more.

Cannot recommend this book highly enough, words to describe it are not enough..I loved it!

I just couldn't get into this. It was very repetitive and I just wasn't into either of the main characters.

A delightful read. Heart wrenching, warming, full of emotion and heart, thought provoking, authentic. I loved it. Truly recommend for someone who wants to get to know and root for their characters. Love Albert completely, with all his quirks.

Overall, it's a sweet book about a man who finds himself, and happiness, and opens himself up to new possibilities.
He helps those around him.
Yes it's a bit predictable, but that doesn't stop it being charming.

A really sweet story that I enjoyed very much. Growing up in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Alfred couldn’t be open about his homosexuality. Many years he spends looking after a criticizing and bitter mother, never hearing a kind word or thank you. Made to feel ashamed of his true nature, he represses who he really is, existing in a half life with only his cat for any affection. Approaching mandatory retirement at age 65, Albert realizes he needs to make some changes. Slowly he breaks down his many layers of protection and carefully learns to really live and enjoy love. The character of Alfred has been very lovingly created and I mourned with him the passing of Gracie, and shed a tear at the conclusion of the book.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advance copy.

This is a truly heart-warming and uplifting read - a real hug in a book.
As Albert is faced with compulsory retirement from his job as a Postman at the age of 64, he is forced to reflect on a life that feels without any great purpose beyond his job. With the help of new found friends within his community however he is taken on a journey which allows him to explore and make sense of his past and take action in order to choose a life worth living in the present and beyond.
The main characters are portrayed in a skilful and endearing way by the author allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their lives.
Whilst it is a light and uplifting read important issues such as homophobia, social anxiety, class ,loneliness and race are all covered in thought-provoking ways throughout.
I will certainly be looking out for more of Matt Cain's books in the future.
I am grateful to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain.

64-year-old Albert Entwistle has been a postie in a quiet town in Northern England for all his life, living alone since the death of his mam 18 years ago. He keeps himself to himself. He always has. But he's just learned he'll be forced to retire at his next birthday. With no friends and nothing to look forward to, the lonely future he faces terrifies him. He realises it's finally time to be honest about who he is. He must learn to ask for what he wants. And he must find the courage to look for the man that, many years ago, he lost - but has never forgotten . . .
Loved this book , a very clever and heartwarming tale by the author . I loved the idea of Albert and finding out all about him . An ordinary man , a little sad , plodding along in life trying to be invisible until he makes a decision to be more ' out there ' and find the love of his life from many years ago.
A book I was sad to finish.

Albert Entwistle, a 64 year old postman, is a man of few words. In fact he doesn't like having to interact with people at all. He's happy with routines, doing his job well and then returning home to his cat, Gracie. Following the unexpected news that his employer is going to force him to retire at 65 and then the sudden death of his pet, Albert takes stock of his life. He looked after his ailing mother after his father died and when his mother died it was just him and Gracie, for 18 lonely years. But as a teenager Albert had a secret love and he's now determined to track down the person he let go 50 years ago.

You can't help but fall in love with Albert. He's been living the same life for years, stuck in a rut (although he sees it as a routine) refusing to interact with the world around him. He's content but you realise how incredibly lonely Albert is, he has no family or friends. When he has to have Gracie put to sleep I shed a tear, knowing how difficult a task it is but also with the realisation that Albert is now completely alone. It's sad to think that in such a crowded world people can be so isolated.

When Albert begins to interact with other people we see him blossom. He goes out of his way to help people around him without realising that he's helping himself at the same time. New friendships allow Albert to step out of his comfort zone and explore new horizons.

The love story at the heart of this novel is extremely sad. A forbidden love that has to be carried out in secret and then has to be denied when his father finds out. Fifty years on, when Albert sets out to find his secret love, you are willing him on every step of the way.

Absolutely lovely book, that I enjoyed all the way through.
Albert was likeable from the start and I enjoyed getting to know his character - past and present, and his journey was told in such a lovely, but at the same time, heartbreaking way.
Albert is 64, and a postman. He has no friends, no family, and no significant other, and as he approaches retirement he realises how lonely he is, and sets out to find the love of his life from 50 years before.... Who happens to be another man.
Albert goes on an amazing journey as he tries to find George, and the story switches from past and present which gives us a glimpse into just how hard it was 50 years ago, to be gay.
Great book, would highly recommend ❤️