I really look forward to a new Graham Norton book (specifically audiobook) and his latest, Frankie was another delight. Having Graham’s familiar voice read me a gentle but emotional story was so engrossing. He was excellent at characterising the different characters (even if his American accent was a little dodgy) and really made me care for Frankie and her world.
Francis becomes Frankie
As with Graham’s previous novels (Holding, A Keeper, Home Stretch and Forever Home – absolutely all worth a read if you haven’t yet) Frankie is at least partly set in Ireland and features Irish characters.
We meet Frankie as an elderly lady and she reveals her past to her new carer, Damian as they slowly become friends.
The story follows Frankie from Ireland, to London, onto New York and back to London. We learn about the very different men she married – one in Ireland, one in New York – and against the backdrop of the 1960s New York art scene, Frankie’s life is played out.
You’ll find, as you get older, problems turn out to be their own solutions.
The words on the cover say: ‘You should be the main character in your own life… but Frankie never was’ – I see why it says this, as this is a story of someone who goes with the flow of life and isn’t out for the spotlight herself. That doesn’t mean she’s not strong, kind and endearing. It’s nice to read a book that has this gentler, yet not problematic character as its lead.
Frankie, as a read, is a moment for all the introverts out there who are more than happy to let life happen to them, to see where it takes them. It’s a celebration of friendship – with both Damien and her lifelong friend, Nor – and doesn’t shy away from serious issues either, meaning its the perfect blend of tender and tough. Highly enjoyed!
- Audiobook narrated by Graham Norton
- Running time: 9h 5mins
- Get your copy of Frankie here;
- Published by Coronet September 2024;
- 291 pages;
- My rating:
Books on the 7:47 