
The Boy Who Lived
When Magic and Reality Collide: my story
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Narrated by:
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David Holmes
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Toby Laurence - foreword
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By:
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David Holmes
About this listen
THE INSPIRATIONAL MEMOIR FROM HARRY POTTER STUNTMAN DAVID HOLMES: PERFECT FOR HARRY POTTER FANS.
NARRATED BY THE AUTHOR, WITH A FOREWORD BY DANIEL RADCLIFFE NARRATED BY TOBY LAURENCE.
As stunt double to Daniel Radcliffe in the Harry Potter film franchise, stuntman David Holmes helped to move J.K. Rowling's era-defining story from the page to the big screen. His work as a real-life Fall Guy enabled him to create some of the most memorable action sequences in the Wizarding World, as he became the first person ever to play Quidditch. In living his own hero's journey, David was also one of only a handful of people to have worn the iconic wizard's cape, glasses and scar in front of the cameras.
That is, until an accident changed his life forever.
During the making of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, David broke his neck in a stunt rehearsal and was instantly paralysed. From talented junior gymnast and stunt prodigy to fully qualified Hollywood stuntman, his story is a brutally honest portrait of a man who lost everything but found different ways to reimagine new possibilities with love, friendship and optimism - and he later co-created a BAFTA-nominated documentary about his life. David's behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest film series of all time is both jaw-dropping and hilarious.
Powerful and emotional, his is a story of hope and vulnerability and paints a picture of what it truly takes to rebuild a life and become The Boy Who Lived.
What listeners say about The Boy Who Lived
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Stephen Ritchie Rowan rowan
- 06-02-25
Impactful, truthful and thought-provoking
Some books change you and other books change how you see the world and this book does both.
It’s a magnificent story of a talented and resilient man.
I laughed I cried, and that went on throughout the book. The standout elements of the book is Davids unbending bravery and honesty.
If you are a fan of Harry Potter you will love it but the book goes far beyond behind the scenes to a man baring his soul and sharing the amazing highs and lows.
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- Jane Musson
- 05-02-25
Wiggle your toes!
Never did I think I would be listening to an audiobook and be reminded of the significance that I can wiggle my toes… this was an incredible read and the fact David was narrating this really sold it to me to listen rather than read myself. Insane stories (in a good way) and amazing insight into the world of being a stunt man and paraplegic! Honestly it’s a must read for any movie fans (not just HP, any movies that require stunts). I also strongly recommend the read for health care professionals like myself as it’s a key reminder of the person behind the hospital numbers. I laughed and cried way more than I expected and I want to just take time to thank David for such an honest book. Also it’s about time the movie world reconsider the world of stunts in their awards.. how is this not the case?
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- KDJ
- 07-02-25
WOW!
Brutally honest and absolutely rivetting. David's story is one that might have left me pitying him, but instead I have an enormous amount of admiration for his bravery and his determination before and especially after his accident. The epilogue really ended everything on a strong and inspirational note.
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- Alice
- 07-02-25
Heartbreaking, inspiring and interesting in equal measures
David gives a raw and honest look at his life both before and after a life-changing accident that can teach us all something. As funny as it is honest and as heart-wrenching as it is uplifting.
Most specially though, hearing this book in David’s own voice felt so important. It’s been a gem in my day throughout.
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- Maggie Lee
- 05-02-25
Incredible
I cherished every moment of this book. David’s dulcet tones were a joy to listen to, and before I knew it, hours had passed as I was completely captivated by his every word.
Having followed his journey since the documentary, I was initially concerned that the book might be just another tribute to the Harry Potter franchise. However, it turned out to be so much more.
This book offers a raw, heartfelt glimpse into David’s life, and I feel truly honored to have experienced it, with him guiding me through his struggles and triumphs. I can only hope to live a life filled with even half the positivity he radiates.
David, you are a blessing to the world—thank you for sharing your story with us.
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- Fiona Callaghan
- 07-02-25
Can’t put it down
Excellent book, amazingly narrated by David himself. Not only do you get lots of behind the scenes stories from Harry Potter, David gives a genuine look at how his life changed after the accident including his hedonistic lifestyle. Once you start it’s hard to put down.
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- Kat P
- 04-02-25
Honest Man
David Holmes is a very honest man. This book is an eye opening read/listen, so much honesty. I love all the honesty, it’s so rare. David is a fantastic storyteller and he had an amazing life before the accident and an incredible life after the accident. Hats off to him for continuing on in his own way.
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- Mr. A S
- 05-02-25
A great read
I really enjoyed listening to David. Being a huge Harry Potter fan it’s great to hear what goes on behind the scenes. I never knew what really went into the dangerous work of movie stunt performers. Thank you for sharing your life stories David, you’re a top guy!
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- Jemma McGregor
- 08-02-25
So inspiration!
Wow what an inspirational guy!
Such a sad and tragic incident. Thanks for sharing your amazing journey. It must have been so difficult to do.
I highly recommend this book. It speaks to everybody. It gave me so much to think about and appreciate.
Your strength of character shone throughout as did your honesty and kindness to others.
Thank you David.
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- Rebecca Holley
- 05-02-25
emotional and inspiring
David tells his story in a way that immerses the reader into his life and makes his experience more comprehensible. he is very funny and there are some brilliant insights into Hollywood filming and the famous cast of Harry Potter.
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