The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson (Review)

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

Format: Paperback

Source: LoveReading UK via Publishers

Publisher: Bantam Press an imprint of Transworld Publishers

Genre: Contemporary, Humour, Fiction

Publication Date: 1st April 2021

Synopsis/Blurb (Taken from Goodreads):

“What do you get when you cross a painfully awkward son, lofty comedic ambition and a dead best friend?

Norman.

Norman and Jax were a legendary comedic duo in waiting. They had a plan to take them all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe in just 5 years’ time. 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’s never going to win Mother of the Year, and not knowing exactly who her son’s father is doesn’t help. But when she finds Norman’s new plan, all she wants is to see her son smile again… So they set off on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman’s dad along the way.”

My Thoughts & Review

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman follows 12 year old Norman and his mum Sadie. Norman  and his best friend Jax love comedy and they set themselves a goal in their 5 year plan that they will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. But sadly, Jax dies unexpectedly and Norman and his mum are both left heartbroken. However, Norman’s mum Sadie decides she’s going to help Norman get to Fringe, and decides to take him on a road trip from Cornwall to Edinburgh in the hope that he will be able to fulfil his dream. Of course, the road trip isn’t as straight forward as Sadie was hoping. 

This is a wonderfully written book, that is told through alternating chapters from the POV’S from Norman and Sadie. It did take me a few chapters to get into the book but once I got going it turned out to be a fun read that I really needed without realising. 

I loved the characters, they are really well written and developed into believable and relatable characters as the book progresses and we get to learn more about the characters. The side characters where also enjoyable to read about. I feel in love with Norman’s character from the start. He comes across as fragile but is so resilient and brave. He seems to take everything in his stride. Sadie on the other hand I wasn’t sure about at first but as I read on and learnt more about her background I could see she was a wonderful mum who is loves her son very much and wants the best for him, even if that means shielding him from the world. 

Although the story was a little predictable in places this was a really fun and entertaining book that I enjoyed very much. I would happily recommend this debut novel to anyone looking for a funny light-hearted read about family, love and friendship. 

I would like to thank LoveReading UK and Bantam Press an imprint of Transworld Publishers for my ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

My Rating

💙💙💙💙1/2

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Leave a comment below and let’s have a chat.

Happy Reading!!!

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