The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

By: Matt Cain

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

In a humorous, charmingly wise novel perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and TJ Klune, the forced retirement of a shy, closeted postman in northern England creates the opportunity for him to track down his lost love, embrace his true self, connect with his community, and finally experience his life’s great adventure….

Every day, Albert Entwistle makes his way through the streets of his small English town, delivering letters and parcels and returning greetings with a quick wave and a “how do?” Everyone on his route knows Albert, or thinks they do—a man of quiet routines, content to live alone with his cat, Gracie.

Three months before his sixty-fifth birthday, Albert receives a letter from the Royal Mail thanking him for decades of service and stating that he is being forced into retirement. At once, Albert’s simple life unravels. Without the work that fills his days, what will he do? He has no friends, family, or hobbies—just a past he never speaks of, and a lost love that fills him with regret. And so, rather than continue his lonely existence, Albert forms a brave plan to start truly living, to be honest about who he is...and to find George, the man with whom he spent one perfect spring and summer long ago.

One painful yet exhilarating step at a time, Albert begins searching for George and revealing his story to those around him. As he does, something extraordinary happens. Albert finds unlikely allies, new friends, and the courage to help others—even as he seeks the happiness he’s always denied himself.

Beautifully written, funny, and wise, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a book to fall in love with and to be inspired by, one that proves it is never too late to live, to hope, and to love.

©2022 Matt Cain (P)2022 Recorded Books

A truly pleasant surprise

What a touching book. As a gay man fast approaching sixty it is great to listen to stories about finding love in your later years. I’ve been out for most of my life but still carry the scars of growing up gay and living as a gay male. Finally, there are movies and books about gays that don’t all end in tragedy! There is hope…..

Love (this) Story

I wasn’t immediately captivated but as the story progressed I grew to love it. This book is heartwarming and full of love but it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Very serious issues are dealt with and we see the characters respond and grow. I loved this book and want to give Albert a big hug.

Enjoyed it very much!

Wonderfully told story with so many lessons worth learning. Appreciated the narration as well. Good!

This book should be in your cart or on your wish list!

Very engaging and important story. Wonderful characters, especially Albert. I miss them! Hope there’s a sequel!🤞

Love is Love is Love is Love...

“The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle” by Matt Cain is a beautifully written story that will pull at your heartstrings and make you smile through your tears. The protagonist is a sweet lovable character whose story pulls you in. The author touches upon themes of friendship, love, self-acceptance and community.
I LOVED this book! The super-feelgood story of Albert, a 64yo postman in a town in Northern England, whose closeted and lonely life has dwindled to nothing, and how he comes out and comes out of his shell, makes friends, enhances other people's lives along with his own, and seeks his long-lost love. I’m a sucker for all of it!
This is a book to read when you need to be reminded of the best sides of people, and how even strangers can be supportive and caring. It is a very positive storyline (eventually) which leaves you happy as you mop up your tears. I’m not crying—you’re crying.

Surprising, informative and lovely story

I like the humanity and its foibles explored and the depth that was provided in the various characters, even though they did not play a huge part in the story. I felt like I knew all of these people and this community.

A very sweet read.

I enjoyed this story. A sweet summer read. Without a spoil alert - it is sometimes great to read something that isn't too complex or to heavy.

It’s never too late

This was such a bittersweet book about lost love and self acceptance.
This is the story of Albert, a lonely closeted man in the verge of retirement and his journey to find, hopefully, his lost love, but along the way he might find himself, friends, and a whole community.

Great story

Was deeply moved by this story. It Brought back so many memories good and bad

A book of hope and love - just gorgeous!

Read with great charm, wit, and empathy throughout for all the characters by Simon Vance. Written so beautifully by Matt Cain. The kind of world we should all want to inhabit. I loved it. Definitely, definitely stay on after the book ends to listen to the interviews between the author and gay men of Albert’s age!