Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out: The uplifting, feel-good read of 2023

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Arthur ist vermutlich der liebste Großvater, den man nur haben kann und sein großes Herz und sein unerschütterlicher Glaube an das Gute in den Menschen haben mich wirklich sehr berührt. Sich mit 79 für ein Coming Out zu entscheiden ist eine schwere Entscheidung und ihm werden zunächst einige Steine in den Weg gelegt, aber er steht unerschütterlich für sich selbst ein und bleibt dabei immer freundlich und verständnisvoll (selbst an Stellen, bei denen ich beim Lesen am liebsten selber losgebrüllt hätte). Die Unterstützung, die er dabei von seiner (noch) Frau Madeleine erfährt und die Liebe, die die beiden einander entgegenbringen, hat mich teilweise zu Tränen gerührt. Wir alle brauchen eine Madeleine in unserem Leben - eine Person, die immer zu uns hält und immer an uns glaubt, egal was kommt. The other characters add real texture. It’s so hard to judge Ben accurately, making him fascinating, and Madeleine is a complete joy. I loved the way Shakeel’s presence bubbles along so that he helps define Teddy in the reader’s mind. He shows that life begins at whatever age the individual chooses; that we are responsible for our own happiness and that being old doesn’t mean that life is over. The problem I have with some things getting skipped or not getting enough explanation is that this story, even though it’s feel-good, handles really serious problems. They need attention, explanation, and time in this story. So, you can say the pacing felt a bit off. quote

There are a lot of characters in the book, both in the family and outside, and some of them don't really become more than a name due to this (like Teddy's sisters, who it is hard to tell the difference between). Similarly, with a lot going on in the plot and the need for everything to feel resolved due to the necessary happy ending of the genre, the ending is quite rushed and a lot of things suddenly happen with time jumps that don't quite feel fully realised. Teddy in particular gets quite a confused ending where it feels like the book just ran out of space. I liked Teddy's eventual romance plot, but again, I felt like the payoff was rushed and didn't quite give enough space to a narrative that is familiar to a lot of queer people. I don't tend to read this kind of genre much, unless it features queer characters and might be doing something interesting, so the writing style was also not quite for me, with some forced, cheesy dialogue, but I imagine some fans of the genre will probably enjoy that more. I loved the idea of this book when I read the blurb, and I was super excited to receive an ARC of it, but I have to admit, I found it really disappointing. It is slightly on the cheesy side, but that is exactly what the intention is. It's hard hitting and thoughtful in all the right places and then cosy and heart warming where it needs to be. It is definitely reminiscent of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain, a book which I also loved. Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. But don’t worry! At the end, our little nepo baby oh so magnanimously turns down the job at the newspaper so that Ben can have it! How civic-minded of him!Proving there’s no age limit on following your heart and finding love! I’m totally #TeamArthurandTeddy’ Heidi Swain, Sunday Times bestselling author

Teddy is an insightful study of self-doubt and self-sabotage as he struggles to find the right moment to come out as gay. His habit of putting himself down and avoiding taking risks is one so many readers will recognise and it’s his development over the course of the story that is so engaging. His need for approbation from Elizabeth is heartbreaking at times. Arthur is an absolute inspiration… Though the road has plenty of bumps, with painful past experiences of homophobia related by Arthur, and prejudice still having devastating effects in the present, this is a wonderfully romantic tale of two men finding their way to fabulously fresh new lives, with support from loved ones. Life is full of sacrifices, Teddy. We'll make good and bad choices, but we shouldn't let regrets define us. I'm not perfect, but I hope when I'm not here that the people I love will remember me for the good things and know I did my best for them. -ArthurThank you so much @harper_reach for this ARC of Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out in exchange for an honest review. Elizabeth, Teddy's mom and Arthur's daughter, is the absolute WORST, terribly homophobic, and everyone is way too understanding of her homophobia so she never has to show even a shred of accountability for her behavior To me, “Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out” is marketed as this lighthearted, heartwarming little book about a grandpa and a grandson both coming out to their family members as being gay. I honestly don’t think this book was either heartwarming nor lighthearted in the way that the author aimed for.

The title already says it: Arthur and Teddy are coming out. Arthur is Teddy's grandad, and after 50 years of marriage with his wife, Teddy's grandma, he's finally ready to tell the world he's gay. Well, to tell his family, but soon everyone will know.A mediocre execution of a really fun and sweet concept. Not mad I read it but I wish it had been better. Ugh, that cover is so cute! Look at the little grandpa in his pink shirt and bowtie and he's bonding with his grandson over coming out as gay! UGH UGH.

Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. But can they – and their family – learn to accept who they truly are? My opinion A sweet coming out story which sensitively portrays the difficulties and the celebrations of coming out and being true to yourself’ Emma Denny, author of One Night in Hartswood What an absolutely beautiful book! Dealt with sensitive subjects really, really well and brilliantly descriptive characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. But can they – and their family – learn to accept who they truly are? About This Edition ISBN:

“Bravery and contentment are possible for everyone…”

This story had so much potential that I want to cry because I have to DNF it. Honestly, I expected a sweet, funny, and meaningful story about this guy and his grandpa navigating coming out together and the intergenerational support and respect that the queer community desperately needs more of. A joyful, big-hearted story about family, friendship and finding your place in the world’ Freya Sampson, author of The Last Chance Library The title already says it: Arthur and Teddy are coming out. Arthur is Teddy’s grandad, and after 50 years of marriage with his wife, Teddy’s grandma, he’s finally ready to tell the world he’s gay. Well, to tell his family, but soon everyone will know. Teddy is a privileged, self-absorbed, incredibly unreflected ass who spends most of his time complaining about the fancy journalism traineeship is very established (and terrible) mother 'forced' upon him - you're 21, asshole, if you don't want the job leave it to someone who does