Content Warning: This section references anti-gay bias and domestic violence.

Barrington Jedidiah Walker, or Barry, is the narrator and protagonist in Mr. Loverman. Barry is a gay Antiguan immigrant who lives in London and is nearing 75 years of age. Despite his orientation, he has been married to a woman, Carmel, for 50 years and has two daughters with her: Donna and Maxine. Barry has also maintained a secret love affair with his teenage sweetheart, Morris, since before his marriage began. Barry worked at a Ford motors factory for around 40 years but became financially successful through buying cheap properties, renovating them, and renting them out. Barry has never finished a degree, but he has spent a lot of his time in London attending different university classes. This makes Barry knowledgeable in many areas, especially philosophy and literature. Barry likes to quote Shakespeare, which also shows his engagement with his adoptive culture and literature.

Barry’s conflict in the novel is twofold. Barry wants to leave Carmel to spend the rest of his old age with Morris. Carmel, however, turns violent and abusive when he brings up the idea of a divorce. This external conflict fuels an internal one stemming from

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now