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. “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…
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
An uplifting novel with a delightful cast of characters, I couldn’t recommend this novel highly enough! Sadie and Norman are devoted to one another, and even though Sadie thinks of herself as a bad mother, she is the opposite. Norman is a loveable young boy with a big heart and bigger dreams, and readers can’t help but root for him. – Laura, VIC, 5 Stars
A delightful funny and touching book. A fabulous lift to the spirits! – Leesy, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it was told from the alternating perspectives of both Norman and his mum Sadie. You couldn’t help but root for Norman on his adventure and I found once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down as I had to find out how it all turned out. – Nicky, NSW, 5 Stars
This was a beautiful book to read. I loved the way the perspectives of mother and son were portrayed so well, mother being so unsure (as we are) of our parenting and son so caring of his mother, even over himself. Two touching characters, with a touch of everybody in each one. – Danielle, SA, 5 Stars
A rare delight of a novel. A lighthearted, madcap road trip from Cornwall to Edinburgh for poor little Norman Foreman (a sweet child with terrible timing and even more terrible psoriasis, mourning the untimely death of his best friend and comedy partner) to make his stage debut at the Fringe Festival – and maybe find his father along the way. The pace could have been tightened at points, and there was a little bit of repetitive self-reflection from the main characters which could have been trimmed. There were also a few slightly clumsy moments of slut-shaming and fat-shaming, but I think those were generally redeemed. Overall the novel was a slow-burning, richly developed, and entertaining read culminating in a snappy, hilarious finale. Heart-warming without being cloying, moving without being mushy, a beautifully human book full of beautifully human characters – all in all, a fabulous read. – Sylvia, QLD, 5 Stars
The funny thing about NORMAN FOREMAN A single mother, Sadie, her twelve-year-old psoriasis cursed boy, Norman and an ex-services octogenarian, Leonard, set off for Edinburgh to fulfil Norman’s plan to perform at the Fringe Festival there. At age ten, young as they were, Norman and his closest friend, Jax, performed as a comedy duo. Their Five Year Plan had been to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But their plans were interrupted when Jax died suddenly. Now, twelve Norman’s plan is to perform at the Festival by himself and find the father he has never known. Sadie only knows his father is one of four men. This is a very moving novel told in the voices of a very lovable boy and his devoted mother. Readers will live the story as they get to know Norman, Sadie and Leonard whose technology skills help to find the men who could possibly be Norman’s father. These four very different characters are so cleverly drawn by author Julietta Henderson. The narrative is briskly paced. The language is beautifully crafted. There are times for laughing, crying, and for wondering as the author perceptively portrays a young boy’s relationship with his world. – Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
Juliette Henderson’s astonishing debut novel The Funny Thing About Normal Foreman is funny, tragic, charming, heart-wrenching and heart-warming in turn, starring a small cast of wonderful characters all doing their best against the odds. A study of friendship, love, grief, loss and relationships, it delivers tears of both laughter and sadness. Quirky and original, this is one of those glorious gems that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the final page. Highly recommended! With many thanks to Better Reading, Penguin Random House and Julietta Henderson for the opportunity to read and review Norman Foreman! – Im, VIC, 5 Stars
This is a must-read. The characters have a wonderful mix of fragility and resilience, which is exposed as they deal with loss and grief, through a rather non-traditional journey of self-discovery. From laugh-out-loud to heart-wrenching moments, this book is difficult to put down. – Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
Oh, my heart! I have just finished reading The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and I am in love! With 11-year-old Norman, with his loving mum Sadie, and with Jax – Norman’s best friend who dies before the two boys can realise their dream of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe as a comedic duo by age 15. Oh, and Leonard. I’m completely smitten with Leonard, the old guy who walks out of his cleaning job at Sadie’s workplace to help her and Norman honour Jax’s memory by getting Norman that gig at the Edinburgh Fringe and also ticking off the other item that has been added to Norman’s plan – to find his father. The unlikely trio set off on a road trip in Leonard’s vintage Austin and what follows is an adventure that will have you feeling the gamut of emotions. I felt sad, protective and proud of sweet young Norman who bravely pursues his dream of performing on the big stage, even though he is mourning the loss of Jax and dealing with a severe flare-up of his life-long affliction with psoriasis. With Sadie, I felt sympathy and concern. Here is a single mum who has lost all confidence in herself and who determines to help her son through his time of grief, while at the same time fighting her own demons from her troubled past. Then there’s Leonard, who seemingly appears out of nowhere to save the mother and son duo when unbeknownst to them they are actually saving him. I felt grateful for him, for his take-charge attitude and for his giant heart. Plus the cast of amazing characters we meet along the way, I love all of them too, despite their foibles and flaws. Reminiscent of the movie Little Miss Sunshine, this debut novel by Julietta Henderson is a pure delight that will warm the cockles of your heart, have you laughing, teary and ultimately restore your faith in humankind. The story is told in first-person, with the chapters switching from the cynical but often humorous voice of Sadie to the endearing and innocent voice of Norman. Like every good book, there is one memorable scene that stays with you after you’ve turned that last page. Mine is the one that involves Norman, one of his potential fathers, a bad guy and a high-speed pursuit on a moped. Straight from a movie! I could not have picked a better book to start the new year with and I’m quite sad that my time with these characters is over. – Eynas, SA, 5 Stars
Norman and Jax were the ‘Rolls-bloody-Royce of best friends’ with a 5-year plan to perform as a comedy duo at the Edinburgh Fringe. However, before he even turns twelve, Jax dies and their motto of ‘one never knows’ becomes sadly true. Norman’s mum Sadie who struggles with being a good mother and with life in general decides she would do anything to bring a smile back to Norman’s face. So they set off on an unlikely adventure with their friend Leonard to have Norman perform solo at the Fringe and along the way solve the mystery of who is Norman’s father. The Funny Thing About Norman is both funny and moving. The raw, honest struggles of a single Mum who has her own issues with love and trust, but would turn her world inside out for her son, Norman, who is himself struggling to navigate through a world of grief but determined to honour his friend’s memory, make for an enchanting story. You quickly fall for this little boy with a big heart. But hold onto your seats because the ride is not all smooth sailing and along the way, Norman, Sadie and Leonard all find their own truths. – Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
What a great book and fantastic debut novel by Julietta Henderson. The story starts as a young boy and his mother coming to terms with losing his best friend. Norman wants to fulfil their dream and plans together and this is the story of how he does that. Full of funny situations, interesting characters and antidotes ….you will fall in love with Norman and this cast of characters you can’t help but love. The funny thing about Norman Foreman is an excellent read, funny and a book you will remember. Thanks to better reading for the opportunity to preview this book… I’m so glad I got the opportunity. – Sally, NSW, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about Norman’s adventures. It had Wonder by R. J. Palacio vibes whilst still holding true to its own concepts. Henderson tackled some intense subjects throughout this book including death and mental illness, yet still managed to keep it light-hearted and often times quite funny. I would highly recommend this book and I will keep an eye out for Henderson’s future work. – Rachelle, TAS, 5 Stars
What a thoroughly delightful book to read! This book exceeded my expectations. It starts off by being introduced to the main characters Sadie and Norman. Norman has lost his best mate Jax and is dealing with life without him. For me, it had similarities to Eleanor oliphant which I enjoyed immensely. I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable read. 5/5 from me. – Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
What a gem of a novel! It draws you in and hits you for six! Julietta Henderson has provided the perfect combination of comedy and heartbreak, and through the eyes of a young, naive protagonist, she actually gets us to think of some of the important aspects of life. As a mother, I was drawn to both the characters of Norman and Sadie, and I feel as though I’ve learnt things that I can incorporate into my own life. Even though it feels cliche to say it, these characters will stay with me long after turning the final page. – Angie, NSW, 5 Stars
A smart, touching novel that I was drawn to for the search of Norman’s father on his comedic journey and the back story of his beautiful anxious mum. The main theme of the story is how we cope with the grief of losing people, and that even though bad things happen we all still keep going, and how lucky we are to know the ones we have lost! A successful novel this will surely be! If you like novels like Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, A man called Ove, The five people you meet in Heaven, Boy Swallows Universe, you will not stop reading Julietta Henderson’s brilliant novel. #BeMoreNorman – Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
I loved Norman and his incredible journey to make his dreams a reality. I enjoyed all the people he met along the way and didn’t want the book to end. I think after 2020 everyone needs some refreshing read that helps them to forget the horrors of the world, and thanks to Julietta Henderson, The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman was the book for me. Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia and Better Reads for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. – Meg, SA, 5 Stars
This is a story about grief. Norman Foreman is a child conceived in the throes of grief after his mother, Sadie, loses her father. She remains scarred and now, both she and Norman are visited by a new grief with the death of Norman’s best friend Jax. Thus, the story begins with them at an all-time low. The physical manifestation of their grief as the psoriasis that engulfs Norman’s body is an interesting touch that adds nicely to the plot as they embark on a dual quest to find Norman’s father and perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Overall, I found the language of the book well-balanced, allowing for creative description without becoming self-indulgent. It was clearly focused early on with the task of giving us a strong insight into the characters. This is achieved, but it does run the risk of becoming repetitive at times. I would have liked to see more flashbacks to Sadie’s relationship with her father, as this seems key to her whole identity. The plot is a tad slow to get going, but steadily builds, so I would recommend persevering if you need a bit of action in your stories. – Adam, QLD, 4 Stars
I challenge anyone who does not laugh loudly, tear up – or both – while reading Julietta Henderson’s debut novel “The funny thing about Norman Foreman.” I was completely invested in this road trip, full of twists and its full cast of characters. Single mum Sadie (always wishing she was ’better’); her 12-year-old son Norman (kind, clever, psoriasis riddled); and their new friend Leonard (an old-age pensioner with his own secrets), set off to Edinburgh where Norman is to perform at its world-famous comedy festival. And along the way, there’s a mystery to be solved. Ever present is the memory of Jax, Norman’s larger-than-life best friend, and comedic partner, who has recently, tragically died. Though physically absent, Jax is a stand-out character – as are his insightful, and practical, ‘first rules of comedy’ which we learn can be applied to all aspects of life. For such a fast-paced book, there is a lot of compelling self-reflection; and the well-crafted dialogue, both descriptive and conversational, makes the interaction between the players engaging, moving and entertaining. Fans of Nick Hornby will enjoy reading this offbeat, quirky tale, filled with spot-on observational social commentary; and its hopeful, feel-good ending is genuinely satisfying. – Alida, VIC, 4 Stars
Best friends Jax and Norman are a superstar comedy duo, or at least that’s what Normans Mum tells them. For the first time in his life, Norman has a friend and a big 5 year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, until Jax goes and dies on him. Unable to stand seeing her son so upset, Norman’s mum Sadie promises to help Norman with his new plan, getting to the festival this year to perform in memory of Jax. However, when Sadie realises that Norman’s plan also includes trying to find his dad, things become even harder. How will she figure out the identity of Norman’s father from a long list of past drunken suitors and then track him down all whilst figuring out how to get a twelve-year-old boy a spot in the UK’s biggest comedy festival?? With the help of Sadies octogenarian, street-savvy, technology wizz colleague Leonard the three unlikely friends begin a road trip of a lifetime to help Norman achieve his dreams. This novel is so charming, it is both sad and heartwarming, can have you in tears of joy and grief within the same chapter, and is all round a beautiful and delicate debut by the author. Henderson provides the reader with characters you can’t help but love and feel for. The character are real and relatable, they deal with the same problems as many readers would be facing and watching them grow as people is a delight. A wonderful novel that will restore your faith in humanity, I cant wait to see what Norman does next. – Cathie, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a funny read with heartwarming characters and plenty of plot twists I didn’t see coming. Norman and his mum Sadie are a great duo and share a lovely bond. The trip across England to Scotland keeps the story moving along at a great pace. I will recommend Norman Foreman to friends. – Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
I do believe this book is worth a try. Perhaps it is out there just waiting to be read by you. Maybe it needs to be read as much as you need to read it. And maybe when you read this book you’ll think, I’ve heard this phrase before. One just never knows. But I do know this, I’m happy I read this book. – Kirralee, SA, 4 Stars
Great read – relatable, funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking and inspiring! I loved the story, and couldn’t put the book down. I dare you not to love Norman and his gang as they follow their journey of discovery for all! – Eliza, QLD, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story follows Norman, a twelve-year-old eczema sufferer; Sadie, a self-doubting mother of Norman and Leonard, an elderly and highly industrial man who met Sadie at work; after the sudden death of Norman’s best friend Jax. The story is compassionate, warm and fun, despite being set around dark circumstances. Their struggles and effort to cope with these circumstances lead them on an adventure of hope and determination. Their goal is to complete Norman and Jax’s five-year plan, in a much shorter time frame and get to the Edinburgh Fringe, whilst also finding Norman’s biological father. Along the way, they meet many quirky and wonderful people and find out a lot about themselves as well. This novel was incredibly well-written and consistently toyed with my emotions, making me both want to laugh and cry at times. I also loved all the characters and found them, their actions, and their overall emotions to be thoroughly convincing and honest. I would definitely recommend this novel to others and I will definitely seek out any novels by this author in the future. Thank you, Better Reading and Penguin, for this review opportunity. – Katherine, VIC, 4 Stars
An engaging story that both hurt my heart and warmed it. Loved the characters and their journey and growth. – Claire, SA, 4 Stars
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is a delightful, quirky, poignant book about Sadie, Norman, Jax and Leonard. It’s about comedy, loss, and overcoming challenges. It is a journey, both physical and metaphoric, of acceptance. – Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
Norman Foreman and his best friend Jax have a five-year plan. This cheese-loving comedy duo are going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to live out their dreams. Not all goes to plan when Jax dies and Norman decides to change the plan slightly and go to the Fringe with a tribute show for his mate. For a 12-year-old, this is a lot but to add more confusion to his travels, he is looking for his real father – which his mum has narrowed down to one of 4 interesting candidates she had hooked up with all those years ago. In the midst of the sadness of losing a friend, Norman and his mum Sadie and an old gentleman named Leonard, cross the paths of many new faces that form part of Norman’s new family as he makes his way to Edinburgh to give the performance of his life. A heartwarming story of sheer endurance and hope told from the perspectives of mother and son – tells tales of not only their lives but those that intertwine with theirs as they move through the world. – Suzie, WA, 4 Stars
When Norman Foreman, at only 12 years old, loses his best ever friend in the world, he sets out to complete their 5-year plan alone. With some minor tweaks of course – not only will he perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he will also try to find his father along the way. This was without a doubt, the most amazing and uplifting book that I’ve read in a long time. It explores so many aspects of life: growing up, learning to cope with grief, parent-child relationships, and even the fine line between success and failure. However, this book will also remind you that sometimes, friends are found in all the wrong places, sometimes failure is success, and sometimes you need to aim for the stars. I love you Norman and Sadie. – Tamara, VIC, 4 Stars
This was an easy to read book, which examines relationships between a variety of Characters. The main characters are Norman and his single mother Sadie and Jax, Norman.s deceased friend whom he had become very dependent on. Jax and Norman had planned on performing a duo standup comedy act at Edinburgh Fringe sometime in the future. After Jax dies of an asthma attack Norman decides he would go ahead with this plan even though he is not the funny one of the pair. With the support and great help from mother Sadie and an old pensioner Leonard they drive from Cornwall to Edinburgh where he performs. On the way, they look up four different men who could be Norman’s father with different results. I found this book was a combination of comedy, sympathy and hard to believe characters and events. Overall a differently enjoyable read. – Sue, WA, 3 Stars
A heartwarming story at its core, with Norman and Sadie both being relatable and real characters with all their flaws. I think the topics of grief and Norman’s condition could have been delved into a little deeper. An enjoyable read. – Hanadi, NSW, 3 Stars
It took me a bit of getting used to this writing style however once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Norman, Sadie and Leonard took me on. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and a great read. I would definitely recommend this book! – Emily, VIC, 3 Stars
Norman and Sadie, his mother, lead a quiet life. Norman’s friend Jax imparts the funnies and teaches Norman how to deliver a joke. They’re inseparable. Jax is the funny guy to Norman’s straight man. Their Five-Year Plan sees them win over the tricky audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with their two-man show. When Sadie and Norman’s world is sent a curveball, Sadie decides action is needed to bring Norman and Jax’s Five-Year Plan to fruition. With Leonard, Sadie’s colleague, as the driver, the roundabout road trip begins. Ultimate destination: the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The main characters of Norman and Sadie are well represented. Norman with his insights into life through his straight-talking and thinking, give him a tired vulnerability in a young body. He’s more self-assured than even he realises. Sadie is someone constantly second-guessing everything she does. Her desire to cloister Norman slowed the story down unnecessarily. There were some writing gems and side stories and others that were too long to make an impact. For me, this presented the book with incredible highs and disappointing dips. Thank you to Better Reading and Bantam Books for the ARC in return for my honest review – Cynthia, NSW, 3 Stars
Oh, Norman Foreman how the world needs more of you! Pour yourself a good pot of tea and then strap yourself in for a heartwarming and antic filled adventure as you follow Norman and his mum, Sadie, on a road trip to find Norman’s dad and a place for Norman to perform his stand up comedy routine and honour his best friend after his recent passing. It’s quirky, a bit offbeat and explores loss and grief, relationships, connections and self-discovery. Although I enjoyed it, it did take me a while to get into and I found some of the characters’ self-reflections a bit too repetitive. I think my favourite part of this book were the characters that Norman gathered along the way. They all got under my skin and I found myself cheering them on as they muddled their way through some funny situations. I particularly enjoyed reading Norman’s chapters. Everyone should be more Norman and see the world through his eyes. – Tammy, SA, 3 Stars
A pleasantly surprising book for a debut author and one that anyone and everyone can easily read. It is also a story quite a few people could in some way relate to. It had family, death, sadness, fun, life and even happiness. The story of a boy, Norman, the death of a friend, Jax and Norman’s mother, Sadie, who is dealing with her own past. The adventures Norman and his mother Sadie have are led by an elderly friend Leonard who takes them on a journey of discovery, laughter and even grief. Although a bit slow to read it is still a charming, heart-warming story that actually takes you right along on the journey and introduces you to some great characters. I can’t say I loved it but I did enjoy it and found it an easy read, which brings home life and how each of us has our own way of dealing with the things it throws at us. – Donna, TAS, 3 Stars
Amazing! What a heartwarming, beautiful book! Julietta Henderson really captures the essence of motherhood. The emotions that a mother feels towards her son. The pain, joy, laughter all that is part of a relationship. On another note, the author has a great comedic tone which brings a smile to the reader’s lips. Page by page the novel moves beautifully through time to unveil twists and turns that make the plot immensely enjoyable. – Izabella, VIC, 3 Stars
“The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman” had an interesting blurb but unfortunately was not my cup of tea as I found many aspects to be both inauthentic and frustrating. While the writing had brief moments of thoughtfulness, the repetitious nature made me feel like I was reading the same events over and over, each time more exaggerated e.g. Norman’s skin condition. The plot became convoluted during the Edinburgh Fringe scenes with the characters suffering every possible disaster you could think of. Furthermore, there is a distinct lack of positive diverse representation in the characters. The prominent character with a disability was continually and offensively referred to as a “drainer on the system” and the only person of colour (off-page) was immediately expelled from the novel due to the main character’s white skin. I’m not in a rush to recommend this novel to anyone, but that is my sole opinion. Thank you for the preview copy of the novel. – Kirsten, NSW, 1 Star
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