A review by helen_t_reads
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 36 year old single Mum Sadie sets herself a ‘Mission Impossible’ after her 12 year old son Norman’s best and only friend dies: she guarantees Norman a spot on at the world’s biggest comedy festival and the delivery of a long lost father, to boot. 

Given that the festival is the Edinburgh Fringe (they live in Penzance), and the long lost Dad is one of 4 potential candidates, with the help of octogenarian Leonard, planner par excellence, what could possibly go wrong? 

I absolutely adored this novel, and it’s the second Julietta Henderson story I’ve read, having enjoyed Sincerely, Me earlier this year. 

Her talent for characterisation is massive – you take them all to your heart and love them absolutely.The story is told from the perspective of Norman and his Mum Sadie, and whilst the plot hinges around the death of a child, the author does not put a foot wrong, striking the perfect balance of tone. There are tears and there is laughter, it is both poignant and funny, but it is never insensitive, mawkish or clumsy. 

As these lovely characters make their journey to Edinburgh, they are also making a journey through grief – Norman for Jax, Sadie for her Dad and Leonard for Iris – coming to terms with the blows life has dealt them and the untimely losses they have sustained. They also make a host of new friends en route and this once very small and isolated family unit expands exponentially, showing that families can be found as well as born into. 

It is a story about love and loss, dreams and ambitions, and about discovering aspects of yourself you never knew you had – or had forgotten all about. 

You emerge at the end of this novel feeling uplifted, happy and inspired. It is a real pick-me up feel good novel, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to take a journey with Norman, Sadie and Leonard – it is one you’ll never forget!