The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

by Julietta Henderson

In a letter to her readers, the author asks “what if the worst thing that ever happened to you could actually become the catalyst for the best time of your life? That question led me to a boy called Norman Foreman.”

Norman is a rare and endearing character – earnest, mature beyond his years, surprisingly funny (especially when he’s not trying).  He’s constantly battling with uncontrollable psoriasis and he completely gets his mum. But he’s grieving. Because Norman and his best friend, Jax, were supposed to be comedic legends together with a five year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they turned fifteen.  When Jax dies before the boys turn twelve, Norman decides life and paying tribute to his best friend just can’t wait… so he rewrites their plan:

1. Look after Mum.
2. Find Dad
3. Get to Edinburgh Fringe

Norman’s mum, Sadie, is as lost as a person can be but she will stop at nothing to make her son smile again, no matter what the personal cost.  So they set off on a Pilgrimage from Cornwall to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman’s dad along the way.

He’s a boy full of courage.  She’s a mum full of love. Together they discover that our toughest challenges can deliver our greatest triumphs.  Please read this book.  It’s absolutely lovely!

‘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