Whilst it does involve humour, this book is not funny. It is heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal portions, and you will cry and smile, rather than laugh.

The book begins with the utter devastation of a vulnerable 12 year old boy after the tragic death of his best friend leaves him both grieving and trying to hold up the weight of the world in the form of his mum’s happiness and his friend’s (and his own) dreams.

We see the story from Norman’s point of view and also from that of his mum, Sadie, who is struggling with her own mental health and self-esteem issues and feels completely helpless in the face of Norman’s loss when she hasn’t processed her own. The memories they both have of Jax explain why though – his effervescent, ebullient approach to life infuses every page and makes him another main character despite him dying before the first page.

The story takes us on a tour of Penzance, Bournemouth, Barnstaple, Edinburgh and Swansea with Norman and Sadie as they attempt to look after each other, make new friends and follow Norman’s dreams with dogged persistence and trepidation respectively.

I found it sad to see how Sadie’s issues with herself contaminate her view of her son, to the point that she loves him dearly but has no faith in him at all, and was glad that she was able to develop as the story progressed and recognise her own needs. And I was horrified at the little Edinburgh sub-plot that saw a 12 year old roaming the streets alone and being led into the local crime scene by a mysterious and completely irresponsible stranger!

The story ends with a warm, hopeful glow, as the main characters come to terms with themselves and each other, and look forward to a new, brighter future, but I was still left with a lingering sadness for them too, and for the lovely Jax who couldn’t be there with them.

Definitely one to read if you are looking for ‘all the feels’.


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, and what an absolutely wonderful book it was. The characters were brilliant and I found myself laughing out loud and being moved to tears in equal measure, I was with them for every part of the journey and was sad when I finished the book as I could no longer spend time in their company.

The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman, written by Julietta Henderson, is a touching, entertaining, and thought-provoking debut novel.

Norman Foreman was only twelve years old when he lost his best friend and comedic buddy. To him, it only made sense that he continued with their plans to perform at the Edinburge Fringe festival. There's just one problem...Jax was the funny one of the pair, not Norman.

But Norman is determined to keep Jax's spirit alive – and achieve another goal in the process. He's hoping to use the festival to find his father – a man he's never known. Thankfully, his mother, while concerned, is willing to help him.

“Timing is everything. First rule of comedy, Jax says.”

The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman is such a sweet and endearing novel; I'm almost having trouble finding the words to express how it made me feel. It's such a unique novel, all while really bringing this young man and his story to life.

This is a novel full of emotional highs and lows. Which makes sense, given that we're talking about a twelve-year-old boy who has been through so much. He's lost his best friend and never knew his father. One of these things he can't change, but not both. His determination to take some semblance of control in his life is something that I feel we can all understand and even appreciate.

Sadie, Norma's mother, is another treasure to come from this novel. She's self-deprecating and sardonic – the blending of these two traits is so beautifully done. It makes her feel so human and real, and I almost feel like I could reach out and give her a phone call.

I really love what Julietta Henderson did here in The Funny Thing About Norma Foreman and cannot wait to see what sort of idea she comes up with for her next novel.

Thanks to MIRA and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I think anyone can learn something from this book. It’s a heartwarming story with a deeper message. 
adventurous