Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. 

My rating: 5 out 5 stars

If, like me, you spend much of your time reading queer fiction, it's very easy to fall into the trap of assuming the majority of main characters are young(ish), white(ish) and come from (more or less) privileged backgrounds. It's a phenomenon that's particularly prevalent in romance but can carry over into other genres.

The hero of 'Mr Loverman' is none of these things. And it is such a pleasure to encounter an authentically different voice. Evaristo draws you right into Barrington Walker's complex, multi-layered existence. Seventy-four years old, Antiguan born and now living in the London borough of Hackney, our hero is trying to make sense of where he is in the world. Married, with grown-up children, he finally seizes an unexpected opportunity to acknowledge the real love of his life.

Evaristo's writing is vivid and authentic. Barrington Walker comes alive. In fact, you seem to share his headspace. This works very well, involving the reader in his hopes, thoughts, and memories as the present-day Walker tries to now live life as his true self.

Thought-provoking, tender, funny, and, for me, a glimpse into other lives lived.