THE SECRET LIFE OF ALBERT ENTWISTLE

Simon Vance brings empathy and kindness to his portrayal of Albert Entwistle and his acquaintances in this good-hearted novel about late-in-life transformation. When we meet him, Albert is a 64-year-old English postman who has lived alone in his childhood home since the death of his parents. The Christmastime death of his one friend, a cat, shocks Albert into trying to make changes, including searching for George, his secret childhood love. Vance's Albert, convincingly hesitant and hoarse at first, grows audibly more confident as he comes out to himself and the world. Albert's colorful neighbors and co-workers give Vance a chance to imaginatively inhabit, among others, a young hairdresser, a "hey dude" guy, and a crackly voiced 80-something. Between them, author and narrator have created a charming listen. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2022]