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Normal Rules Don't Apply

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Normal Rules Don't Apply

By: Kate Atkinson
Narrated by: Paterson Joseph
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The first story collection from Kate Atkinson in twenty years, Normal Rules Don't Apply is a dazzling array of eleven interconnected tales from the bestselling author of Shrines of Gaiety and Life After Life

In this first full collection since Not the End of the World, we meet a queen who makes a bargain she cannot keep; a secretary who watches over the life she has just left; a man whose luck changes when a horse speaks to him.

With clockwork intricacy, inventiveness and sharp social observation, Kate Atkinson conjures a feast for the imagination, a constantly changing multiverse in which nothing is quite as it seems.

‘What really binds these stories is their underlying theme, which has perhaps always been Atkinson’s true subject: the nature of storytelling itself’ Times Literary Supplement

‘Life in all of its surreal, tragic and comic glory is perfectly captured within these pages’ Red

‘Sublime’ Good Housekeeping


©2023 Kate Atkinson (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Fantasy Fiction Literary Fiction Magical Realism Short Stories Witty Funny Mind-bending Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about Normal Rules Don't Apply

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Shine!

What a dizzy ride! I must remember to listen to this one again. I feel I missed many intriguing nuances. Don't forget to shine!

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Wow!

First time ever that I have read this author. Incredible and so unlike anything I have read before in terms of story line -despite so many nods within this story to other stories. It blew my mind frankly, but in an extremely good way. I feel a bit like the universe after reading this …ever expanding.
I need to read it again.
When I find a unique book that I love, I buy a hardback copy to keep. This will be one of them.

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2 people found this helpful

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Different!

I am a huge fan of KA ever since ‘ Behind the Scenes at the Museum’ . I love her style- always original and flowing- and her intelligent observation and wonderful wit. The stories are engaging and sometimes bizarre but always well crafted and pacy. The narrator is quite superb and really does capture the author’s wry asides.

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1 person found this helpful

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i inhaled this

Such a beautiful set of linked stories. Gorgeous writing as you'd expect from this author. an utter delight

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Delightful collection

Paterson Joseph a great narrator, really captures the wry tone of Kate Atkinson’s writing.
I was apprehensive about this collection having read some middling reviews. However, Kate Atkinson doesn’t miss, lovely stories, clever and intricately worked. Already looking forward to the next work. Strong recommend.

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Perfectly narrated

So enjoyed this and the way the diverse stories were pulled together at the end. Funny, strange and clever.

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loved this!

Back on top form! Intricately woven and amusing. Very enjoyable.
I hope for similar in the future.

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Entertaining and thought-provoking

Normal Rules Don't Apply is classic Kate Atkinson. A series of short stories that are somewhat related, the writing is wonderful. The author's wit and empathy are evident, and the well-paced narration is a perfect match.

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Expect the unexpected.

Strangely captivating, witty and compelling. I have nearly given up after first couple of chapters, as the story felt rather dispiriting. Glad that I've persevered and now all I wish is to go back and re-listen the whole thing again. The short stories are somehow connected and the author's ability to tie hilarious with the surprisingly mundane is remarkable. Very good narration too.

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Brilliant

I love Kate Atkinson and this collection is outstanding. Clever, funny, magical. I laughed out loud at parts and cried at others. Thank you!

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