Interview with Bernardine Evaristo (writer of the novel Mr Loverman)

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Mr Loverman, the latest adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo's acclaimed novel, tells the powerful and poignant story of Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Barry to his friends, a 74-year-old Antiguan living in Hackney. Known for his vibrant personality and sharp retro fashion sense, Barry is at a pivotal point in his life, facing decisions that will challenge his family's future and his own sense of self.

For fifty years, Barry's wife Carmel has suspected him of infidelity with other women. What she doesn't know is that Barry's long-held secret is an affair with his best friend and true soulmate, Morris. As he faces the twilight of his life, Barry is forced to confront his truth and the impact it will have on his family.

Bernardine Evaristo's Mr Loverman is a ground-breaking exploration of identity, particularly within Britain's older Caribbean community. Both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, the story takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, constantly shifting between moments of comedy and tragedy. Through Barry's journey of self-acceptance, Mr Loverman becomes a life-affirming tale of love, family, and the courage to live authentically.

What made you write Mr Loverman? Was there an inspiration behind the story?

I'm always interested in writing into the silences in our society and literary culture, and bringing to the fore stories and characters that have hitherto been underexplored. In 2009, when I began writing this novel, I had long been aware that the Windrush Generation had always been presented as completely heterosexual, which cannot be an accurate depiction of that demographic. The idea of an elderly, Caribbean gay protagonist seemed the perfect way to address this.

How would you summarise Mr Loverman for those that aren't familiar?

It's a novel about the consequences of not being true to yourself. More specifically, it's about a 74-year-old gay Londoner, originally from Antigua, who is a married father and grandfather, who has hid his sexuality his whole life.

Barrington is such unique protagonist. How did you get the idea of Barrington and his characteristics?

It might seem strange to say this but in a way Barrington wrote himself. Sometimes this happens when a character emerges fully-formed, first through his voice, and then I built a life around him. As a character, he is flawed as they come, with deep desires, fears and contradictions, but he's also very charismatic and funny. I took great pleasure in creating him and serving him up to the world.

There are different complex and contrasting themes in both the book and the series, can you talk us through them?

The series is very faithful to the book, which is a multi-layered exploration of sexuality and forbidden and hidden love and desire; the pressures of familial duty, sacrifice dynamics and secrets; conformity versus owning your individuality, and Caribbean masculinity and homophobia.

What was it like having your book adapted for screen?

It's the first time any of my books have been adapted for the screen so it's a new and revelatory experience for me. To my great relief, I absolutely love every aspect of the series from the script to the casting to the direction to the set design to the costumes to the soundtrack and cinematography. The series is very faithful to the book in the sense of the storylines, characters and even some of the dialogue, yet Nathaniel Price, the brilliant writer and adapter, has produced a very impactful structure and sewn in many of his own flourishes.

What can you tell us about that process? How involved were you in bringing the story to screen?

I saw Nathaniel's script at various stages and offered some feedback, but overall, as soon as I started reading his adaptation I knew he'd captured the soul of the novel. It's an exemplary adaptation. I wasn't otherwise overly involved in the production, although it was exciting to visit the set at various times and see the material realisation of the novel in physical form, such as the set, furniture and props etc, when everything had thus far only existed in my imagination.

What do you think of the actors' interpretations of your characters?

Hand on heart, without exception, I was deeply impressed to see that the actors have brought my characters to life with such talent and accomplishment. As their creator, the characters are so close to me, I know them inside out, but the experience of seeing them on the screen as real people brought a powerful level of intimacy I didn't expect. My words made flesh, literally.

What do you hope audiences will take from this series?

I've now attended several screenings thus far, and people have laughed and cried. It's drama that is constantly moving from comedy to tragedy in an emotional rollercoaster. I hope audiences will find it entertaining, but also feel that they've gained new insights into the themes the series explores.

What advice would you give to any aspiring writers?

Sometimes aspiring writers don't realise that reading is part of their training. Writers need to maintain a rigorous reading practice, whether its poetry, novels or scripts, because this is how they will absorb the art form and develop a sensitivity to how it works. If people are writing scripts,  they need to also watch screen drama through a script-critical lens – analysing and deconstructing the mechanics at play. Through hard work and dedication, aspiring writers will improve their skills. Talent is only a small part of being a writer; it's how we nurture it that makes all the difference.