Henry Normal – författare

''A wonderful self-portrait of a family with autism at its heart. Uplifting and grounded, frank and encouraging, serious and funny, A Normal Family affirms that there is life after an ASD diagnosis - an atypical life, yes, but an abundant and nourishing life just the same'' David Mitchell, author of THE REASON I JUMPJohnny is nineteen. He likes music, art and going to the beach. He is also autistic - in his case that means he will probably never get a job, never have a girlfriend, never leave home. And over the last two decades this is what his father, TV producer and comedy writer Henry Normal, and mother, Angela Pell, have been trying to come to terms with. This is a book for anyone whose life has been touched by autism - it''s about the hope, the despair, and the messy, honest, sometimes funny day-to-day world of autism, as well as a wonderful, warm book about the unconditional, unconventional love between a father, a mother and a son.''The book is about how [Henry] grieved for the life that Johnny isn''t able to have - and learnt to celebrate the one that he does'' The Times''Candid and funny'' Radio Times''Honest but funny'' Sunday Express''Pell and Normal describe hopes shattered, dreams deferred and victories gained in this brave, funny, and searingly honest memoir'' Daily Express

Henry Normal uses poetry, storytelling and comedy to tackle big subjects with his trademark humour. This collection includes five of his funny and moving BBC Radio 4 shows:A Normal Family is centred around Henry''s son, Johnny, who was diagnosed with autism. Through stand-up and poetry, Henry explores what this means for Johnny, for himself, and for his wife, Angela.A Normal Life continues to draw on Henry''s experiences of bringing up a child with autism, and tackles the subjects of life, death, loneliness, loss, human frailty and other classic conversation stoppers.A Normal Love sees Henry explore love, romance and other unreasonable expectations.A Normal Imagination looks at the reasons why humans create. A Normal Nature is an exploration of unsung nature, from the point of view of a busy urban human.These extended episodes include material never broadcast on the radio.‘It''s a rare and lovely thing: half an hour of radio that stops you short, gently demands your attention and then wipes your tears away while you have to have a little sit down’ - The Guardian A Normal Life was awarded a Silver ARIA for Best Comedy/Entertainment production at the 2017 Radio Academy Awards.Written and performed by Henry Normal.Produced by Carl Cooper.A BBC Studios Production.