The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

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There’s a good chance Norman’s father is one of four people. Now I know how that makes me sound, but it’s a fairly reasonable alternative to the other scenario, which is that he would quite possibly have been one of several more if circumstances had allowed.” And while, there is very much a substantial element of that running through the delightfully engaging narrative, the reality is that there is also a tremendous amount of skillfully woven-in heartbreaking pain and grief.

What a delightful read! This book is about what's really important: caring for each other and finding ways through the problems life throws at us, no matter how terrible they can be. The story is both hilarious and heart-warming, with one 'helluva' brave, wise, and lovable twelve-year-old hero... Three cheers for Norman Foreman! * Hazel Prior, author of AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS *Struggling to help her son deal with near insurmountable grief, which shut her quietly brave son to a shadow of his former self, and battling profound loss of her own – Jax had become almost a second son to her and his sudden departure from their lives creates a gaping chasm neither she nor Norman can even hope of filling, or so they think – Sadie, who doubts her ability as a mum on an almost minute-by-minute basis, seizes on the idea of a grand quest to find Norman’s dad and get him to the Fringe as a way of returning him to the boy she knows and loves. Twelve-year-old Norman Foreman and his best friend, Jax, are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a plan to take their act all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe. But when Jax dies, Norman decides the only fitting tribute is to perform at the festival himself. The problem is, Norman’s not the funny one. Jax was. Norman and Jax are best friends (and aspiring comedians). They have a five year plan - by the time they’re fifteen, they want to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. When Jax dies before they turn twelve, Norman decides paying tribute to his best friend just can’t wait. So, along with his mum, Sadie, they set off on their road trip adventure. Memories of Jax were pivotal to the story but the action was centred around Norman's quest to fulfill a dream he and his buddy had shared since they were ten. The boys had planned to perform as a comedy duo at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Norman was the straight man to the showy and comedic Jax, a-lá Abbott and Costello. Now Norman is determined to go solo even though he's terrified (and he knows he's not that funny), but the memory of Jax's words give him the courage he needs. The message being that when you’re scared to do something you should just think about the worst thing that could possibly happen and then get in there and have a go anyhow. Norman figures the worst thing has already happened so what does he have to lose.

A book full of hope, humour and kindness, with one of the most endearing central characters I've met in a long time. An utter delight!' Sarah Haywood, author of The Cactus Let’s face it, it could have been dreadful: a twelve-year-old boy with psoriasis dreams of doing a comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe with his best friend (who is the funny one) but the best friend dies suddenly. His single mum and her very elderly friend decide to help him do a Fringe show anyway, and try to find out who his father is, to boot. It could be sloppy, sentimental, manipulative drivel and I’m not even sure why I tried it, to be honest – but I’m glad I did because it’s nothing of the kind. Australian Author, Julietta Henderson’s debut novel, The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is set in a small seaside village in Britain and is told from the perspectives of 12-year-old Norman and his loving (single) mum, Sadie.This book goes on my list of all-time Top Ten. I could not stop recommending it to people right after I read it last year. It is tender, heart-warming - without being treacly or saccharine. - and very well-written. Norman will grab your heart.