This was such a heartwarming story that brought a community together, while also delving into the persecution and prejudice gay men experienced back in the day. Specifically focusing on Albert's experience as a boy during the 1960s to 1980s, and his repression of his identity and trauma, this showed a lesser known side of society. I loved that Albert was able to find a pocket of love, and I'm so sad for him that it was ruined by homophobia. While that is a big part of Albert's story, the book largely focuses on his journey to finding his childhood love; the community he builds in the process; and his neighbour, Nicole, who is where Albert was 50 years ago and wondering whether her current relationship is worth the trouble.

I loved the found family energy this book gives. From the start you knew that this man, who kept to himself for nearly 50 years, was coming out of his shell, and I loved seeing how his relationships progressed with his coworkers, his neighbours, and his local community. I appreciated the nuance of all these characters and how we get to see so much personality from each one despite their limited page time. I feel like I truly go to know Albert's community along with him, and it was such a lovely, open, and accepting journey.

The flashbacks to Albert's time with his childhood love were so sweet and innocent, until things went sideways. There was so much shame within Albert, about his identity, about what he did and didn't do as a child, and even his inaction in present day. I loved how we get to see Albert grow through these moments and heal slowly from the pain of the past.

Although it's not nearly the same, I loved the parallel of Nicole's relationship. Something beginning and possibly becoming more, but other people standing in the way of joy. I appreciated that Nicole got her own side story and she wasn't just brought in to mirror Albert. I loved getting to know her and her daughter, and their dream for a better future. It was a beautiful addition to the story.

This story wasn't what I thought it would be, but I definitely enjoyed it. One thing to note is that it is very British - I had to switch from the audiobook to a borrowed library copy because I had trouble catching the details. Other than that hiccup, this story was hard won, but in the end super heartwarming and full of love. A beautiful read.

TW: sexual harrassment, homophobia, death of an animal (pet), alcohol consumption, racisim, fatphobia; mentions miscarriages, suicidal ideation, familial enstrangement, violence, hate crimes