The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

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 . . .

'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

'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