My Policeman by Bethan Roberts is a captivating and heart-wrenching novel that will leave readers with an unforgettable experience. Set in 1950s England, the story follows the relationship between Tom, a policeman, and Patrick, a schoolteacher who fall in love despite the conservative culture of the time. While their relationship is kept secret from their families and society, it blossoms into something beautiful and strong. From the detailed character development to the powerful plot twists, this book has something for everyone to enjoy. The author’s writing style is both lyrical and impactful, making it easy to get lost in the story. With a vivid sense of setting and atmosphere, My Policeman immerses readers in its world. In addition, the characters are incredibly well-developed and relatable, making them easy to root for. Whether you’re looking for a romantic read or an exploration of LGBTQ+ issues in 1950s England, My Policeman is sure to hit all the right notes.
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts Review
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts is an incredible novel that captures the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. This historical fiction novel brings a unique perspective to an age-old story, with a contemporary twist. Set in Brighton in the 1950s, My Policeman follows Tom, Marion and Patrick as they try to make sense of their complicated relationship.
Key Features:
- A captivating story, set in 1950s Brighton, exploring the complexities of love, identity and sexuality.
Unforgettable characters , each struggling against the norms of society and their own personal limitations.- A thought-provoking read, that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
My Policeman is an emotionally charged novel that will take readers on a journey through the past, present and future. The powerful narrative and vivid descriptions bring the characters to life, providing insight into how their choices affect their lives and the lives of those around them. Readers will be taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they experience this heartbreaking tale of love, loss and redemption. Whether you’re looking for a gripping read or a thought-provoking exploration into relationships, My Policeman will not disappoint.
Product Details
Product Name | Author | ISBN |
---|---|---|
My Policeman | Bethan Roberts | 0099555255 |
Description | ||
A tale of love and secrets set against a 1950s seaside town, from the award-winning author of The Pile of Stuff at the Bottom of the Stairs. | ||
Publisher | ||
Vintage Publishing (UK) | ||
Publication Date | ||
20 August 1998 | ||
Language | ||
English |
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts Pros and Cons
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts: Pros
1. Fantastic writing style: My Policeman has been praised for its engaging, captivating and poetic writing style. Bethan Roberts did an excellent job of bringing the story to life and drawing readers in.
2. Captivating plot: The novel follows the love triangle between Patrick, Marion and Tom as they struggle to decide what is best for them in a time when homosexuality is still a taboo subject. It’s a heart-wrenching tale that will keep you glued to the page until the last word.
3. Relatable characters: Roberts has created characters that are easy to relate to and empathize with, which makes it all the more powerful when tragedy strikes.
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts: Cons
1. Slow start: While some readers found the book’s slow start to be part of its charm, others thought it was too slow-paced and took away from their enjoyment of the story.
2. Lengthy: My Policeman is quite long at 500 pages, so some readers found it to be a bit of a slog to get through.
3. Lack of resolution: While some may appreciate how open-ended the novel is, others may feel cheated out of a satisfying resolution.
Who are They for
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts is an engrossing novel that takes place in 1950s England. It follows the story of Tom and Patrick, two men who are deeply in love but must keep their relationship a secret due to the social conventions of the time. The novel explores themes of forbidden love, social expectations, and the power of fate.
The story is told through multiple points of view, giving insight into each character’s innermost thoughts and feelings. Readers will be drawn in as they follow Tom and Patrick’s journey from unsuspecting lovers to determined partners willing to risk everything for one another. Roberts’ writing style is vivid and emotive, making it easy for the reader to become invested in the characters’ lives.
The novel contains elements of mystery, tragedy, and romance all rolled into one compelling read. My Policeman provides an insightful glimpse into a period of history when homosexuality was still seen as taboo and offers a powerful reminder that love can conquer all obstacles. Whether you’re looking for an engrossing story or an emotional journey, this is a book not to be missed!
My Experience for My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
My Policeman, by Bethan Roberts, is an absolute page-turner that I can’t put down! When I first opened the book, I was immediately drawn into the story of Patrick and Tom’s forbidden love.
The story is set in 1950s England, when homosexuality was illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Despite this, Patrick and Tom manage to find each other and begin a passionate, secret relationship. What really struck me about their story is how they manage to navigate the societal pressures while still staying true to themselves. No matter what happens, they always remain devoted to one another.
This novel isn’t just about love – it’s also an exploration of family dynamics, loyalty and identity. With its vivid descriptions of 1950s Brighton, My Policeman has a real sense of authenticity that transports the reader back in time. The characters are all wonderfully drawn and their relationships ring true. In particular, I found myself completely captivated by the romance between Patrick and Tom – it’s full of longing, passion and hope.
My Policeman is a powerful story that will leave you moved and inspired. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful love story or simply want to be transported back in time, this book is perfect for you!
What I don’t Like
1. Main characters are not fully developed
2. Storyline is at times confusing and hard to follow
3. Some readers found the ending unsatisfying
4. Slow start with a lack of action
5. Heavy focus on the social issues of the time period
How to Create an Unforgettable Memory with My Policeman
Are you looking for a way to create a lasting memory with your loved one? Then My Policeman by Bethan Roberts is the perfect book for you! This romantic novel tells the story of two men who fall in love in 1950s Brighton and struggle to keep their relationship alive despite the social pressure of the time.
One of the best ways to enjoy this novel is by hosting a book club night. Invite your friends over and spend an evening discussing the characters and plot points of this captivating book. You can even create a delicious menu inspired by 1950s England, complete with traditional dishes and desserts.
To make it extra special, create a personalized quiz about the book to challenge your friends’ knowledge. Questions can range from identifying minor characters to exploring themes like forbidden love and social injustice. Afterwards, reward the winner with a small prize as a token of your appreciation.
Finally, end your evening with thoughtful conversations about how the book impacted each reader. Share stories about moments that resonated with you or thoughts on how far we have come since 1950s England. With My Policeman, you are sure to create an unforgettable memory that will be cherished for years to come.
Questions about My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
What is My Policeman?
My Policeman is a novel by Bethan Roberts, published in 1998. The book tells the story of a love affair between two men in 1950s England, when homosexuality was illegal. It explores themes such as sexuality, identity and social expectations.
Who should read My Policeman?
My Policeman is an engaging read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and literature. Those looking to explore themes of identity, love and social norms would also benefit from reading this thought-provoking novel.
What kind of reviews does My Policeman have?
My Policeman has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. Critics have praised the book for its “insightful portrayal of forbidden love” and “beautifully written exploration of identity”. It was also nominated for several literary awards, including the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.