Frankie

Loved this book. Haven't read any other of Graham Norton's books but I will now.
Lovely feel good story told by Frankie through her young carer Damian. Spans her life beginning in Ireland and her unsuitable marriage to her life in New York. The highs and the lows. Great read. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publisher's blurb or the plot... instead I recommend that you read this for yourself.

I've read several novels by Graham Norton, and always enjoy his writing style. I was delighted to receive an ARC of this latest novel, and throughly enjoyed it. There are (as usual) some great descriptions of both people and places, and insights into the minds of the characters.

It was a fascinating story - disturbing at times - and I felt truly sorry for "Frankie" at times, particulary in her earlier life and first marriage.

I loved the characterisations - so well written that they leapt off the page and I could imagine the cast in real life, and indeed in a movie or tv series.

I'm looking forward to reading more by Graham Norton.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Absolutely loved this book. It is one of the loveliest book I have read in ages.
Fabulous characters that were very believable and most of them likeable. Really enjoyed the style writing.

Damien is sent to care for elderly lady Frankie whilst she recovers from an injury. During Damien’s shifts she tells him her amazing and unexpected life story.
So well and empathetically told.

What a wonderful story of friendship. Initially the friendship between two young school girls that endures into teenage years and then young adults.
Also the friendship between a lady in her later years and her temporary carer. A bond is forged as they discuss her life and her experiences.
A well written emotive story that will amaze and grip you to compulsively turn the pages.

This has to be my favourite Graham Norton book yet!
It tells the story of Frankie, a young girl who lost her parents at a very young age and was brought up by her aunt and uncle, married to an older clergyman. It follows her life as she tells the story to her carer. The story spans from her life in West Cork, to New York and finally London. A book that I laughed the cried. A fantastic read with loveable characters!

The first book I have read by Graham Norton and I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Frankies lifelong friend decides to get a temporary carer in for her, much to Frankies disappointment. Damien has a hard task to begin with but soon wins her over and that's when Frankie starts telling him her life story. Back and forth from present day to the 50s onwards Frankies tale is a tale of survival and strength.
I love Nortons style of writing and this story is heart warming, funny, sad and absolutely uplifting. I completed the book within three nights. It was totally engrossing and boggled all of the senses!

When you go to bed early to read to start a new book, and you end up staying up until 3am to finish it. You know it was a good book!

My first book I’ve read by Graham Norton, but it won’t be my last!

Damian, a personal carer for the elderly gets a call to look after an elderly Irish lady who has broken her ankle. This is where Damian meets Frankie, at first is reluctant to accept help but call it the luck of the irish Damian wins her round and Frankie tells him her whole life story!

Frankie begins her life in Ireland, moves to London but ends up settling to New York in the early 1960s.

At each location Frankie hasn’t had it easy, but she has the stories to tell and then the big story is to why she returned to the UK.

Gripping storyline, with humour along the way. So beautifully written

This has to be one of my favourite books I have read this year. Frankies life is told in a gentle manner which keeps you hooked and wanting to read the story in one go. The author does not shy away from strong and sad storylines, and isn't scared to shock the reader with the turns that are taken.
Frankie, Nor are portrayed as colourful characters with a rich and loving history which Damien is able to find out during the story.

Best Book So Far, Graham! I have enjoyed all of your books but this is "Simply the Best"!

Elderly Frankie has taken a fall in her London flat and her friend Nor arranges for an overnight carer to help Frankie - enter Damian from Ireland. At first reticent to accept the help, Damian has the right personality and caring nature to turn this around and so begins the long nightly conversations of Frankie telling her life story. And what a life she has led!

Frankie begins her life in Ireland but then travels to New York in the early 1960s. Here she meets her husband, a budding artist. Frankie has a flair with food and begins work at a New York French restaurant, whilst Jo is trying to find anyone interested in his art work.

Damian learns about Frankie's early life in Ireland, how she ended up in New York and indeed why she returned to the UK.

Fabulous characters, the book tackles issues from the 60's and 80's, as well as enlightening the reader on ignorance and taboos of the time.

I read this book in 2 sittings, 5 stars truly deserved and can't wait for your next one, Graham.

I can't help it. I love Graham Norton's books. He is such a good storyteller and brings his characters to life with wonderful dialogue and a real sense of place and I always look forward to his latest title.

Frances Howe is 84 years old and lives alone in London Following a fall, she's incapacitated with a broken ankle and needs assistance. Damian is from Ireland and is working as a carer in London. He is there to give her any overnight assistance she needs and hopefully prevent any further falls.

It's quite an awkward start. Frankie is a reluctant 'patient'; she's a bit cranky and also bossy but Damian is patient and friendly and over time gets Frankie to accept his presence and she begins to open up and tell him her about her life, starting back in Ireland. And what a life. Ireland, London, New York, back to London. We are taken through the decades from the 1950s to the present day as Frankie over time tells her story to Damian. She's quite a character and has led a remarkable life and was apparently quite famous in her time.

The story has everything. There's heartache, love, loss. Its sad, funny, celebratory. The characters and places are vivid. The words just flow. As I read it was almost like watching a film. In fact I think it would make an excellent film.

I find there's a warmth to Graham's writing even when things aren't always going well for a character. It's almost like they're old friends and you want a good outcome for them.

An excellent book. One of my favourites this year.