The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman cover art

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Unlimited access to our all-you-can-listen catalogue of 15K+ audiobooks and podcasts
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

By: Julietta Henderson
Narrated by: Katherine Parkinson
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

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 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, 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.

'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

'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

© Julietta Henderson 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Holidays Literary Fiction Urban Women's Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt Funny Tear-jerking Witty Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale.
An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour.
What a charming, funny and cheering read. There's such a lovely, buoyant innocence to Norman and his quest - a coming-of-age that tickles and moves in equal measure. The writing is sharp but tender and in the same way that Marcus in About a Boy strengthens his house of cards, Norman builds the eccentric, loving network he deserves.
As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny.
The funny thing about Norman Foreman is that he's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman shaped hole there forever.

Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times

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!
Funny, sparking and moving.
A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart.
An enjoyable, feelgood read
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant,,Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant you must read this book.

Brilliant

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Hooked from the first page to the last page... Such a great story, really different and the characters are wonderful. I need a Norman in my life...

Funny, lovely and a bit sad

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Beautifully written and read. I will be urging my friends to read as I know they will love it too.

Best book I've listened to in a long time

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

loved this book. I live in Edinburgh and had no idea......no spoilers from me x

awesome

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Heart warming fun and brilliantly read. I’ll be stunned if this book doesn’t become a movie. 5 stars

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews