What a gorgeous read.
I’ve read and enjoyed Nortons previous novels but with Frankie, his writing has jumped up a notch. The writing is so assured from beginning to end and this was a really engaging and warm read, like a chat with an old friend. It reminded me of sitting down with a Maeve Binchy novel decades ago. Recommend.

One of the best books I have read this year , I adored this book and I have recommend it to all my friends

What a wonderful story this tells of Frankie life through her stories she tells her carer Damian who come to help look after her after Frankie has a fall, I loved the stories Frankie tells and felt I was living the stories in person with Frankie and Damian

I always look forward to a new Graham Norton book, and was not disappointed with this one. Two delightful main characters who blended together perfectly.

As I started this book I wasn't instantly grabbed. So pleased I carried on with it as I was soon addicted. It didn't take long. It follows the story of Frankie, as she relays it to a carer that she becomes fond of. It details her rather interesting life with two marriages along the way. A brilliant read.

Wow! This has to be Graham Norton’s best book yet! So wonderfully nostalgic and beautifully written with fantastic characters.
When Damien meets Frankie she takes him right back to beginning to tell the story of her life.
I couldn’t put this book down, I couldn’t wait to see what happened to Frankie next and I became engrossed in her story to the point where when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about Frankie. Simply stunning story and I would highly recommend this to anyone.

I've always enjoyed Graham Norton's novels but this? This is really very special.

Frankie has lived life to the full - she just hasn't realised it yet. When an injury curtails her movements a young carer is brought in to help her, much to her chagrin. Damien is young and Irish, which helps, and slowly she begins to tell him the story of her life ... and what a story it is too.

I have always loved reading Maeve Binchy novels and this one reminds me of her writing. Warm, inviting, enthralling from beginning to end and full of surprises it is a heartwarming, tender read - and one which certainly evoked a few tears from me (not something which often happens). I became thoroughly involved in Frankie's life and her relationship with Damien was just wonderful - but realistic too. I adored every word and have no hesitation in highly recommend this book - it's not one I'll easily forget, that's for sure. Five sparkling, glowing stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this novel via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

When I first read a book written by graham Norton I was sceptical that he would be a good author! However, I've read all of his novels and each one seems to me in my opinion better than the last and 'Frankie' is no exception.
Based on a older lady reminsing of a time gone by to her carer. Dual pov are included too. The characters are great and you really can have some laughs as well as some tears. Well done graham I look forward to your next book!!

Graham Norton’s 5th novel and the 4th I’ve read (his previous “Forever Home” is the one I haven’t got round to yet). I consider him to be a writer in the Premier League of Irish contemporary fiction and there’s nothing here to change this opinion.
I think with this book there’s a greater emphasis on the “heartwarming” which tends to be alright for me in small doses, but I prefer something a little spikier, like the five star rated “A Keeper” (2018). But there is no denying that this is heartwarming done very well- I was totally involved throughout and wanted to know what was going to happen.
This is the story of one woman, Frankie, who in the 2024 sequence of the novel is in need of a young agency carer, Damian. Both came originally from the same area of Ireland and have ended up in the Wapping area of London and they quickly form a bond, encouraged by Frankie’s more affluent friend, Nor. The two women have been close since girlhood and whilst working at Frankie’s Damian is gradually told her life-story, which takes in difficult times in Ireland, a move to London and then to New York, with Nor never too far away. Frankie’s past life is dealt with in a separate narrative spanning from 1950-87 with the present-day strand filling in the gaps.
You cannot help but root for Frankie who often seems be playing catch-up with others. Those around her seem more aware of the world she finds herself inhabiting, be it the constraints of small-town Irish life in the early 1950s; the lesbian literary set in mid 50s London; the freer artistic world of New York in the 60s, which largely came to an end in the era of AIDS in the 80s. Frankie witnesses all of this and regales Damian (who I felt a little underdrawn as a character, but admittedly, he is not the focus here) with the extraordinary tales of her past.
Where it works strongest is in its belief in the value of supporting others, of long-lasting friendships, essential when family relationships often fall flat. Graham Norton’s fiction shows a different side from his perceived public persona and his ability to story-tell is extremely strong which makes reading his work a consistent pleasure.
Frankie was published in the UK on 12th September 2024 by Coronet Books, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

I absolutely loved this. #Frankie is beautifully written, moving and immersive. A story of friendship and love.The story draws you in and keeps you engaged right until the end. I couldn’t put this book down and didn’t want it to end. Just brilliant.
After a fall, Frankie reminisces with Damian her night time carer about her life, the ups and downs and the places where she lived. The empathy you feel for Frankie as she tells her story is so real. I cried and I laughed. It’s so full of emotion and connection. It’s told in multiple timelines from 1950’s post war Ireland, 1960’s London and present day New York, with brilliant likeable characters and historically detailed. I loved Frankie as a character and her friendship with Nor and the newly formed bond with Damian. Just beautiful.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy this genre. I look forward to more from @granort.
With thanks to #NetGallery @hodderbooks @hodderpublicity for an arc of #Frankie in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 12 September 2024.

Graham Norton’s books have proved as popular as his TV shows and justifiably so. This novel is a dual timeline story where a recently incapacitated elderly woman reminisces with the young man who is responsible for her nighttime care. Her story ranges from a repressed Irish upbringing of the 1950s through to London, the New York art scene of the 1969s and onto the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. A wonderful narrative arc which I loved and wholeheartedly recommend.

I loved this book. So much so that I already have the audiobook on pre-order and am looking forward to listening to it again!
We start with Frankie who, now in her 80s is a little less steady on her feet, and has had a wee accident which requires the services of a carer. Enter Damien who swiftly becomes her confidante as she gradually starts to tell him her story. Beginning with her being orphaned and sent to live with family, how as a young 18 year old she was married off to an older man, through her wonderful life in New York, finally returning to London. It's a rum old tale, full of emotions, and ups and downs to put it mildly. It's a wonderful story nonetheless, and with quite the supporting cast, good and bad.
It's such a wonderful story that I'm saying no more about it. Spoilers you know!
If you have read any of the author's other books, you'll know how well he writes character driven books, chock full of the most stimulating narrative. This book is no exception to that. It pretty much read itself to me, and the times when I had to put it down - life you know - I was pretty grumpy until I could pick it back up.
It has so much emotion spilling out of the pages too. Heartbreaking at times, but also quite often very funny too. And Frankie's also quite a canny person, if she doesn't alway realise it. In fact, I think pretty much all the way she underestimates herself. It drew me in, she drew me in, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end completely spent but also having the feeling that I had met someone special, and no one can take that away from me...
All in all, another cracking book to add to an already well impressive back catalogue. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I had no expectations as this is the first book from Graham Norton I have read, so went in with an open mind and heart, both of which fell in love with this poignant touching and very brilliant story. The writing is enveloping and enticing, engaging and emotional. It makes you feel the characters and story on so many levels. This is an actual gem!! I loved it.
Damian is a young carer living in London whose next job is caring for a lady in her 80’s after a fall. With their Irish roots, and both from Cork they form a gorgeous connection.
Frankie (Frances) has had quite the life, growing up in Cork with her best friend Nor (Norah), and so with a few false starts, she at last blossoms and it’s a beautiful thing!
This book made me smile, lots of crazy warmth then a few tears.
Enthralled and hooked in from the first, I didn’t want the end to come. There were a few unexpected moments and surprises, this book could never be accused of being predictable. Loved the historic atmosphere from the 50’s through to the present day. Easy to relate to and imagine.
Hugely recommended for a wonderful new found treasure and treat of a read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Coronet books for the early read. Much appreciated.

Damian is a carer originally from Cork in Ireland. He is sent to look after Frankie who has broken her leg and is not mobile. Initially she is reluctant to talk to him, but both being from Cork they have something in common and she tells him her life story over the weeks they are together. Happy and sad it stretches from 1950 in rural Cork and the death of her parents to 1980s New York at the height of AIDS. It is a lovely read and the reader is transported to each place as Frankie tells her story.

An interesting & intriguing well written dual timeline story. An old woman reminisces with her night-time carer about her life, in the various places that she had lived. The telling of the ups & (many) downs, but it wasn’t dour. My first Graham Norton book; I was inquisitive to see how good he was with written words. It was a fascinating read. Read 60% in one go.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery. I am writing a voluntary honest review

*"Frankie" by Graham Norton is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that delves into themes of family, loss, and self-discovery. Norton masterfully tells the story of Frankie, a young woman whose search for answers about her past leads to profound revelations about her identity and the people around her. With richly drawn characters and a plot that unfolds with grace and subtlety, the book explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of hidden truths. Norton's writing is both warm and thought-provoking, making *Frankie* a captivating and emotionally resonant read.*

Graham Norton maybe a fabulous to host well he writes amazing books as well
Frankie is a wonderful book from the first page I was hooked, the Irish accent provided by Mr Norton obviously!
But this book is not what it appears it follows a young carer Damien who is called to look after an elderly lady who has a broken leg and needs overnight care
Frankie is said old lady but Damien is greeted by her friend Nor who goes out as she takes care of her through the day. So Frankie and Damien start their relationship at first she doesn’t want to talk but when Damien hears her soft Irish accent he draws her out with his own Irish background
Frankie’s starts to slowly tell her story starting in Ireland the day her parents died and she ended up living in her aunt and uncle house ( he was local vicar) but kindness was never shown to her at all
Frankie’s story had me wrapped up in it I could not put this book down until I knew what happened to her sadness and betrayal could not knock on her door repeatedly could it ? No! Along came such happiness and joy
Absolutely recommend this book fabulous book

Based in London, Damian is a carer and is sent to look after an elderly woman following an accident. The woman is Mrs Frankie Haffen and as she comes to trust him she tells her life story. Told in two timelines, the present and the past it’s a compelling read. You know that book that when you start it you think oh well this is ok, then you realise you can’t put it down, then you think this book is so good. Yes this is that book!

Briefly, Frankie was born Frances in West Cork in the 1940’s and grew up in a close knit Protestant community. She had a good friend Nor but at 17 she was pushed into marriage and they lost contact for a while. Eventually making her way to New York in the 1960’s she rebuilds her life completely when she starts working at a nearby restaurant and meets a budding artist. We follow her story through the decades as she compellingly describes coping with the restaurant, her good times and bad and the eventual consequences of her actions.

A heartwarming story of love, sadness and ambition overcoming so many obstacles put in her way. I know it’s fiction but I wish I had met Frankie and Nor. The author has written some wonderful characters but none more so than Frankie. I was completely engrossed is her story and her relationships. This is an amazingly moving and emotional story. I loved it.

A beautifully written novel by the excellent Graham Norton who has never let me down yet.

This is an emotional and reflective novel that delves into the quiet, thoughtful life of Frankie. Frankie Howe has lived most of her life on the side lines avoiding attention. Now elderly and recovering from a fall, her life takes an unexpected turn when a young Irish carer named Damian, arrives at her London flat. His influence on her sparks memories which have remained long buried until now and through her conversations with him, Frankie revisits her past, starting in post-war Ireland and stretching across decades to the lively wild world of 1960s New York.

Frankie opens up to Damian and her fortitude and the richness of her experiences come alive. Graham Norton always seems to create fabulous characters that pull at the heart strings and he has done it again with Frankie. Damian and Frankie connect and she tells him of her past which is full of chance encounters and friendship. Her story is told little by little and we observe a life fashioned by loneliness and struggle, but also has moments of radiance and beauty.

The writing is warm, sensitive and full of empathy. Frankie is a woman whose life, although apparently ordinary is saturated with an inner strength.

Beautifully written that left me thinking about long after I had finished reading the novel. Highly recommended.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A charming and compelling story about Frankie Howe, an elderly woman convalescing in her London flat after a fall. Her wealthy friend, Noh, engages a young carer, Damien, to support her through her recovery. Both Frankie and Damian come from the same part of Ireland, which prompts Frankie to tell him her life story, which encompasses childhood tragedy, an early marriage, the running of a restaurant in New York and a return to London in her later life. Her friend Noh is a constant in her story, and although living her own colourful life, is always around to pick Frankie up when life deals her blows. Beautifully written, this warm hearted story about love, friendship and the resilience of a life well lived is rather brilliant. I really enjoyed it.

Graham Norton is so good at characterisations- all the people he writes about really come to life. In this book he tells the life story of Frankie, an elderly woman who has broken her ankle. When Damian, her carer asks her about her earlier life, it is an excuse for Frankie to relive her past and lay a few ghosts to rest.
As ever some of the story is set in Ireland, Cork, obviously an area that the author knows well and most of the second part of the book is set in New York, again a place that Norton has lived making the descriptions very authentic.
Frankie’s earlier life in Ireland as a child and a young woman is just awful and immediately elicits sympathy for her. Nor, her best friend, features a lot in the story, rescuing her several times in the course of her life but the main focus of the story is Frankie.
I loved the dialogue between the characters which really brings them to life. I don’t want to reveal too much of the plot but suffice it to say it is really an engrossing and compelling read. Graham Norton certainly knows how to tell a story and personally I have loved all his books. Each one is very different but all engaging and interesting reads. A very talented writer ! Highly recommended- I will definitely be suggesting my friends read this!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.