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My Policeman (2012)

by Bethan Roberts(Favorite Author)

4.48 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0701185848 (ISBN13: 9780701185848)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Chatto & Windus

review 1: My Policeman is a set in 1950’s Brighton, England, at time when homosexuality was a criminal offence. Never really friends, Marion and Patrick’s relationship hinges solely on the fact that they both love the same man, Tom. The story is recounted some 40 years later alternatively by Marion in a confessional letter and Patrick using excerpts from his journal. This book was a quick read…very easy to devour. On the whole I found it a very moving story, but told fluidly; it never got too heavy, I never had to put it aside because it became too much or too sad. The only criticism I would have is that the end is slightly melodramatic and that the character of Tom remains a cipher throughout the book, since the reader never hears from him directly. I wasn’t able to read ... morebetween the lines to understand why Marion and Patrick were willing to go to such lengths to be with him.
review 2: Sad, sad, sad. Such a beautifully written book - one that really got inside the hearts and minds of the 3 main characters. Fabulously set in late 1950s (and present day) Brighton, this book was totally compelling, and very telling about how difficult it was being gay, or indeed a woman, in those times. I was struck by the sadness of each of the characters in this book, and the way most people in the story, both primary and minor characters had such empty and wasted lives. Ms Roberts' descriptions of lives led without much meaning cut deep. This was a story that will linger with me for quite a while. It calls to mind the Thoreau quote "the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation". "My Policeman" is highly recommended, and I also think it would make a great movie. less

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