“Fear and loathing of homosexuals has a long history in the West Indies.Bernardine Evaristo, in her funny, brave new novel, Mr. himself might have acknowledged-it is very clever indeed.” “A brilliant study of great characters in modern London. If you don’t yet know her work, you should-she says things about modern Britain that no one else does.” “This riproaring, full-bodied riff on sex, secrecy and family is Bernardine Evaristo’s seventh book. 'Evaristo is extremely attentive to the function of language, the power of words to shape reality.' Chris Abani, author of The Secret History of Las Vegas “Bernardine Evaristo uncovers characters lost to history and myth and with compassion, an original and brilliant voice, and an unparalleled craft-all tinged with humor-she restores them and thus us.” 'Coming from sparsely furnished homes, the women of the West Indies went goggle-eyed at the veritable cornucopia of colourful fripperies in the Land of Hope and Affordable Ornaments'.' Mr Clever doesn't see the obvious: Carmel's chintz addiction is masking a deeper need.'In this vibrant novel, Evaristo draws wonderful character portraits of complex individuals as well as the West Indian immigrant culture in Britain.'

Without wishing to give away a satisfying twist, the chapter about Hackney Council, the eroticism of staplers and Reuben from Town Planning is wonderful.Īs is a bitchy monologue from Barry about Carmel's front room – 'Could write a cultural studies essay about that particular phenomenon. She too is smart, and her frustration at her empty marriage is heartbreaking. While Barry's chapters are didactic and first person, all titled 'The Art of …', his wife's are hesitant and poetic, with titles beginning 'The Song of …' She addresses herself in the second person, as if she views her life as having happened to someone else. This would all be a bit one-dimensional if it weren't for the fact that Carmel also gets a voice of her own. Will Barrington really go to the gay bar?

The blurb promises a 'meltdown' and 'big decisions' but Barry's carefully constructed life is so beautifully drawn in the first few pages that it's hard to believe Evaristo will get him from here to there in 300 pages. This not being on, in 1960s Antigua, he married a local beauty and they moved to London, where Barry has raised a family and a business and, so far, managed to keep his real love a secret – he thinks.

Autodidact, property developer, natty dresser, rum drinker, suspected womaniser, the 74-year-old Antigua-born Hackney resident has been in love with his best friend since they were teenagers. īarry is what is commonly known as a bit of a character. Bernadine Evaristo's seventh novel, Mr Loverman, stars the 50-years-married Barrington Jedediah Walker, Esq and his wife, Carmel.

Mr loverman novel