The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman
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  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760897567
  • Imprint: Bantam Australia
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $32.99

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
5 Jan 2021
EBook
5 Jan 2021
Audiobook
5 Jan 2021
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The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is an inspiring, feel-good novel about a small boy with a big heart, a woman who would do anything for her son, and a journey that will change their lives ...

Little Miss Sunshine meets Wonder meets A Man Called Ove in this stunning debut novel that will touch your heart.


'Charming and warm-hearted' Sydney Morning Herald
'Funny, sparkling and moving' Daily Mail
'A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart' The Sun
"What do you get when you cross a painfully awkward son, lofty comedic ambition and a dead best friend? Norman."

Norman and Jax are a legendary comedy duo in the making, with a five-year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they’re fifteen. But then Jax dies before they even turn twelve.

Norman’s mum Sadie knows she won’t win Mother of the Year anytime soon, and she really doesn’t know, or care, who Norman’s father is. But her heart is broken when she discovers her grieving son’s revised plan: ‘Find Dad’ and ‘Get to the Edinburgh Fringe’.

If meeting his dad and performing at the Festival are the two things that will help Norman through this devastating time, then Sadie is going to make them happen.

So mother and son set off from Cornwall, with their friend Leonard in his vintage Austin Maxi, on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh - to honour Jax and to track down a few maybe-fathers on the way . . .
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PRAISE FOR THE FUNNY THING ABOUT NORMAN FOREMAN

'Sensational debut by Australian writer Julietta Henderson... This is one novel that meaningfully earns the description of "feel-good".' Apple Books Review

'An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour' Mail on Sunday
'Serves up plenty of rollicking misadventures and cathartic heartstring tugs along the way. The literary equivalent of a feelgood British comedy film . . . page-turning summer read for fans of writers such as Graeme Simsion, David Nicholls and Sue Townsend.' Books+Publishing
'One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale.' Ruth Jones, actress and author of Never Greener

'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.' Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy

'The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is funny. It is charming, warm, and uplifting as well. There is so much to love about this book.’ Laurie Frankel, author of This is How it Always Is

‘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

“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.” Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project
'What a delightful read! Hilarious and heartwarming, with one "helluva" brave, wise and lovable hero. Three cheers for Norman Foreman.' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins

'An absolutely wonderful book. Inspiring, hilarious, and so poignant. I ADORE Norman . . . I can't wait to read it again and I highly recommend it.' Jessica Ryan, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside
  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760897567
  • Imprint: Bantam Australia
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $32.99
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About the author

Julietta Henderson

Julietta Henderson grew up in the rainforests of North Queensland, and developed her passion for the written word producing 'magazines' for school friends and neighbours with her sister. She has worked her way through jobs as diverse as bicycle tour guide in Tuscany, nanny in the Italian Alps and breakfast waitress in the wilds of Scotland. Like many Australians, her love affair with Europe began when she came to London and stayed for more than a decade.

Now a full-time writer, Julietta divides her life between Melbourne, the UK and wherever else she can find winter.

portrait photo of Julietta Henderson

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Praise for The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale.

Ruth Jones

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.

Beth Morrey, bestselling author of SAVING MISSY

Norman Foreman will capture your heart. His story had me in tears, both of laughter and sorrow, as he bravely battles against the odds to achieve his dream. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is 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, bestselling author of THE CACTUS

Charming, warm, and uplifting... Julietta Henderson's quirky, lovable characters also offer profound meditations on family, friendship, grief, disability, illness, and aging, all told with heart, humor, and wisdom. There is so much to love about this book.

Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

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

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.

Clare Pooley, author of THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT

As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny.

Romesh Ranganathan

If you're after a heart-warming book filled to the brim with hope and humanity, then Julietta Henderson's charming The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman should be your next read . . . A life-affirming tale.

CultureFly

An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour.

Mail on Sunday

Funny, sparking and moving.

Wendy Holden, Daily Mail

A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart.

The Sun

An enjoyable, feelgood read

Daily Mirror

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

Katherine Parkinson

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Julietta Henderson Q&A

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman author on grief, happiness and her favourite comedy legend.

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