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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 Anthologies & Short Stories Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Magic Magical Realism Short Stories Witty Funny Mind-bending

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All stars
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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!

Shine!

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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.

Wow!

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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.

Expect the unexpected.

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

Brilliant

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I enjoyed the intriguing interweaving of the storyline and Kate Atkinson’s great wit, as always.

Intriguing

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As usual Kate Atkinson does not disappoint. A collection of separately interlinked stories. Her use of language is sublime and as always, she makes me chuckle.

Genius!

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A great read. So quirky. Beautifully written. I loved the narration and the way all the stories were interlinked.
If was very thought provoking but also funny sad and touching all at the same time. Another belter by Kate Atkinson

Brilliant!

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

Perfectly narrated

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

loved this!

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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.

Entertaining and thought-provoking

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