Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo is lauded for its rich narrative and the vibrant, complex portrayal of its protagonist, Barrington Jedidiah Walker. Readers appreciate Evaristo's unique storytelling and cultural insights. Critiques often mention a slow start and a few underdeveloped subplots. Overall, it is praised for its authentic voice and exploration of identity and sexuality.

Readers who enjoy Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo are likely enthusiastic about vibrant, character-driven narratives exploring identity, sexuality, and cultural heritage. Fans of Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman or The Color Purple by Alice Walker will appreciate its deep emotional resonance and rich character development.

Mr. Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo explores the struggles of Barry, a 74-year-old Caribbean immigrant in London, juggling his secret affair with Morris, his teenage sweetheart, while dealing with the fallout on his relationships with his wife Carmel and their children. Utilizing a nonchronological narrative and shifting perspectives, it delves into themes of deceit, desire, and the search for emotional truth. The book includes instances of anti-LGBTQ+ bias, domestic violence, and references to sexual assault, racism, and suicide.

Humorous / Romantic / Emotional / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Mr Loverman is renowned for its exploration of themes such as identity, race, and sexuality, which are central to much of Bernardine Evaristo's work.
- Bernardine Evaristo won the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize in 2013 for Mr Loverman, recognizing her exceptional storytelling.
- The novel is notable for its humorous and vibrant narrative voice, offering a unique perspective on Caribbean British culture.

**Barrington Jedidiah Walker (Barry)**  
An Antiguan immigrant nearing 75 who lives in London, Barry is a Shakespeare-quoting, self-made man who worked in a factory for decades. He is knowledgeable in philosophy and literature and has been married to Carmel for 50 years, with whom he shares two daughters.

**Carmel**  
The wife of Barry and mother to their two daughters, Carmel is deeply religious and has long been aware of Barry's infidelity. Her struggles include a lack of intimacy in her marriage and her experiences with postnatal depression.

**Morris**  
Barry's secret lover since their Antigua days, Morris moved to England before Barry and has maintained a long-standing relationship with him. He previously married a woman named Odette and has two sons, but ultimately values truth and companionship with Barry.

**Donna**  
The eldest daughter of Barry and Carmel, Donna is a social-worker trainer and single mother to Daniel. She has a tense relationship with Barry due to past neglect and the belief that he was unfaithful.

**Maxine**  
The younger daughter of Barry and Carmel, Maxine is a celebrity stylist who shares a close bond with Barry. She is supportive of her father and has aspirations of establishing her own clothing brand with his assistance.

**Daniel**  
Daniel, the grandson of Barry and Carmel, is a high-achieving student bound for Harvard. Despite his academic success, he faces familial conflicts related to his mother's strict parenting and his complicated relationship with both Barry and his mother.

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