For anyone who loved Matt Cain’s recent novel, ‘The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle’, here’s another dose of uplifting, heartwarming and charming storytelling!
Thanks to the lovely people at Headline for my copy of the book and my spot on the blog tour – as always, opinions are my own.
This book is published on 19th January in hardback, ebook and audio.
From the Publisher:
‘Becoming Ted’ is the joyful, uplifting new novel about love, self-belief and learning to be true to yourself from the author of ‘The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle’.
It’s never too late to follow your dreams…
41 year-old Ted Ainsworth has worked in his family’s ice-cream business, in the quiet Lancashire town of St Luke’s-on-Sea, for his whole life. But the truth is, Ted has never wanted to work for the family firm – he doesn’t even like ice cream, though he’d never tell his parents that. And when Ted’s husband suddenly leaves him, the bottom falls out of his world.
But Ted isn’t alone. His best friend, the flamboyant Denise, is determined to help – she hasn’t forgotten that he once helped her through her worst time. She knows that Ted has a secret dream, and she’s going to help him on his way, despite his parents, the disapproval of locals, and a series of mysterious letters that may threaten the happiness of Ted’s nearest and dearest…
My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed Cain’s ‘The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle’, a gorgeous story of a man finding his place in the world and finally accepting his sexuality. I was absolutely delighted to be invited onto the tour for ‘Becoming Ted’ – I snapped up the invitation so quickly that I didn’t have any idea about the plot before I started reading!
As with Albert Entwistle, Ted Ainsworth is another lost soul. He thought he was living his happy-ever-after with husband, Giles – until events take an unexpected turn and Ted gets a (slightly unwanted) chance to reevaluate his life.
The novel follows Ted’s journey as he works out what (and who) is important to him…and as he follows a long-harboured dream.
In Ted, Cain has created a kindly soul who has been dealt a bad hand in life. None of it is really his fault and the reader becomes totally immersed in watching him follow his dream – although he has a good number of hurdles to get over and is sometimes frustratingly slow in seeing the path he should take!
One of the things I loved about ‘Albert Entwistle’ was the eclectic cast of characters helping Albert on his way. ‘Becoming Ted’ is no different – I particularly loved Oskar (Polish migrant worker facing his own challenges), Stanley (natty dresser and Polari-speaking slice of LGBT+ history in human form), and Denise (looking for love herself but Ted’s biggest cheerleader). Peg and Pussy are also totally fantastic – the scenes with Ted finding his feet in his newfound career were my favourite!
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but let’s just say Ted’s new route through life is packed with humour, fun and sass – and it is an enjoyable ride for the reader.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys uplifting novels – poor Ted does go through the wringer but his story is appealing and warmly told. By the end, you’ll be rooting for Ted and willing all the loose ends to be tied up neatly.
You’ll also be looking forward to Cain’s next book…bring it on!
About the Author:
Matt Cain is an author, leading commentator on LGBT+ issues, and a former journalist. For the past two years he has been a presenter for Virgin Radio Pride, was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor, Editor-In-Chief of Attitude magazine, and has judged the Costa Prize, the Polari Prize and the South Bank Sky Arts Awards. He won Diversity in Media’s Journalist Of the Year award in 2017 and is an ambassador for Manchester Pride and the Albert Kennedy Trust, plus a patron of LGBT+ History Month. Born in Bury and brought up in Bolton, he now lives in London.
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