Sr. Loverman

Barrington Walker is seventy-four, living in Hackney, London, married to Carmel for fifty years, and secretly in love with his best friend Morris, also his lover since they were boys in Antigua. Barrington has long played the role of respectable Caribbean husband while living a hidden life. Now he plans to leave Carmel and start over with Morris, though his family, his past and his fears get in the way. Evaristo tells the story in Barrington's lively voice, alternating with Carmel's account.

It suits readers who enjoy warm, funny, character-led fiction about immigrant life, marriage and late-in-life honesty. The shifting voices give both spouses space, which keeps the humor tender and avoids reducing either of them to a stereotype. The dialogue is quick and often very funny.

Inward-looking and thought-provoking; a moderate read.

Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?