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The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman cover art

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

By: Julietta Henderson
Narrated by: Katherine Parkinson
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The inspiring, feel-good Richard & Judy Book Club pick about a small boy with a big heart - and even bigger dreams. 

It was a journey they would always remember...for a friend they'd never forget. 

Norman and Jax are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a five-year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they're 15. But when Jax dies before they turn 12, Norman decides a tribute act for his best friend just can't wait, so he rewrites their plan: 

  1. Look after mum
  2. Find Dad
  3. Get to the Edinburgh Fringe 

Sadie knows she won't win Mother of the Year, and she's not proud she doesn't know who her son's father is. But when she finds Norman's list, all she wants is to see her son smile again. So, enlisting the help of eccentric friend Leonard - an 84-year-old veteran with superior planning skills and a thirst for adventure! - they set off on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman's dad along the way.

©2021 Julietta Henderson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity." (Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and best-selling author of Us Three)

"An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour." (Mail on Sunday

"Charming, funny and cheering." (Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy

"As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny." (Romesh Ranganathan) 

"He's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman-shaped hole there forever." (Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project

What listeners say about The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

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So good!

This book is all heart! The loveliest book I've read in such a long time. The characters are so loveable, the story is brilliant and creative and the pacing is perfect. The ending is satisfying, and the humour woven through a story about grief was spot on. Couldn't recommend this more!

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3 people found this helpful

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Little Miss Sunshine meets About A Boy

Loved the characters, story, and narration. Little Miss Sunshine meets About A Boy. Quirky, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Definitely would recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Just Brilliant

Absolutely loved this book. Funny, heartwarming, and excellently written. Brilliantly read too. Highly recommend.

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A really lovely, sad story.

I really enjoyed this. V sad at times, but also sweet and funny. Narration was great, although bearing in mind most of the characters were
From Cornwall, they all had a v strong London accent!?!

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LOVED IT

The narration, the characters, the story I loved it all. One of those books where you miss the characters when you finish. Can’t wait for her next book

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The first thing about this book is….

It’s bloody brilliant!!!!
I pretty much invented things to do just so I could listen to it….. and was sad when I reached the end!
It’s a life affirming story, give it a go…

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Simply outstanding

I don’t have enough words to praise this simply outstanding piece of writing. It is cleverly, yet simply, woven together through vivid characters in whom you become so invested that anyone who finishes this book without tears in their eyes is on another planet.
Julietta Henderson, my next job is to find something else you have written. Thank you.

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brilliant

Heartwarming and original. Great characters, easy listen and a good mix of laughter and tears

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Fabulous!

Absolutely loved this book. Original storyline, funny and heartbreaking with characters so beautifully crafted. Fabulous

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A great listen

I loved this and finished it in 2 days.
Heartfelt and I enjoyed listening from the 2 main characters points of view, Norman and his Mum

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