The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

by Julietta Henderson

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'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 bestselling author of Us Three
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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 fifteen. But when Jax dies before they turn twelve, 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 they set off on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman's dad along the way.

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman is an inspiring, feel-good novel about a small boy with a big heart - and even bigger dreams.

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'Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times' - Katherine Parkinson
'Charming, funny and cheering' Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy
'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

Readers are in love with Norman:

***** 'An amazing book of determination and not giving up when things are difficult'
***** 'Norman is one of the most lovable characters I have ever met'
***** 'This books breaks your heart in one sentence and makes you laugh the next'

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman, written by Julietta Henderson, is a touching, entertaining, and thought-provoking debut novel.

Norman Foreman was only twelve years old when he lost his best friend and comedic buddy. To him, it only made sense that he continued with their plans to perform at the Edinburge Fringe festival. There's just one problem...Jax was the funny one of the pair, not Norman.

But Norman is determined to keep Jax's spirit alive – and achieve another goal in the process. He's hoping to use the festival to find his father – a man he's never known. Thankfully, his mother, while concerned, is willing to help him.

“Timing is everything. First rule of comedy, Jax says.”

The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman is such a sweet and endearing novel; I'm almost having trouble finding the words to express how it made me feel. It's such a unique novel, all while really bringing this young man and his story to life.

This is a novel full of emotional highs and lows. Which makes sense, given that we're talking about a twelve-year-old boy who has been through so much. He's lost his best friend and never knew his father. One of these things he can't change, but not both. His determination to take some semblance of control in his life is something that I feel we can all understand and even appreciate.

Sadie, Norma's mother, is another treasure to come from this novel. She's self-deprecating and sardonic – the blending of these two traits is so beautifully done. It makes her feel so human and real, and I almost feel like I could reach out and give her a phone call.

I really love what Julietta Henderson did here in The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman and cannot wait to see what sort of idea she comes up with for her next novel.

Thanks to MIRA and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 19 April, 2021: Finished reading
  • 19 April, 2021: Reviewed