I want to start by saying I absolutely loved The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W. Nora is 18 days from her 123rd birthday. She will be in the record books as the oldest ever person. Nora is living in a care home and her family is planning a huge birthday bash being planned by her great granddaughter, Debs. Nora doesn't want a party, in fact, she doesn't want to live there anymore. Nora's son David is also living in the same care home, but he has dementia and doesn't recognize his mother. She convinces one of her workers, Arifa Hashmi, to let her stay with her and take her around the East End where she used to live and own a store with her husband. She gets signed out of the home by a relative, guess who, and goes to live with Arifa and her son, Nasir. Her family are livid, thinking Arifa is a gold digger and had no business taking her out of the residence. Nora, is still of sound mind and she has no desire to go back. The story of what happens with Nora, Arifa, Nasir and Nora's family moves forward with tears, anger, frustation, secrets revealed and more.

This was such a wonderful story. Nora and her family were part of the Holocaust and she, her husband Henry and son David somehow survived and moved to the UK. Arifa is also a survivor, she lost her husband and daughter in the Syrian war and escaped to England to start a new life. She is a doctor, but is working as a caretaker in a nursing home/care home. As Nora resides with Arifa, we learn a lot of her history and what her life was like after WW2. The relationship between Nora and Arifa was wonderful. They were friends and spent a lot of time together. Nora's family were not all that likable at the beginning of the story. Besides Debs, who visited regularly, the rest of the family didn't see Nora much. Her granddaugher-in-law, was quite selfish and was more worried about what they would get when Nora was gone. When tragedy strikes the family, it makes them re-examine their lives and values. This is a story of motherhood, family, friendship, loss, found family, aging and more. This is a book that I definitely recommend. The audiobook was very well narrated by the team of Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards and Katherine Press. I loved that the three main females each had their own voice and all the secondary characters were also recognizable. They made the story even more enjoyable for me.

The curious kidnapping of Nora W tells the story of Nora Wojnawski, a 122 year old Holocaust survivor who is almost the oldest person in the world. The story has many threads and is told through the eyes of Deborah, Arifa and Nora. Nora is a survivor of the Holocaust and Arifa is an immigrant who has left her violent homeland.
It took me quite a while to get into this audiobook and I didn’t particularly enjoy the narrator.

Thanks, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for offering a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I was given a copy of this book in the summer, but I never had to chance to listen to it as I always choose another book. Anyway, this book was so heartwarming with a bit of humour in it.

It was lovely written and it was very nicely narrated by the narrator which kind of changed voices depending on the character, which made the experience of listening even better.

Overall, I don't want to spoil the book as it deserves to be read, but if you are a person loving a story about a very old lady who went through so many things during her life (including the holocaust) and how her family is trying to rationale with her, this is for you.

I enjoyed this book, told in multiple stories. One of the things I liked about Nora Wojnawski was the fact that she never did what other people expected her to do. There are two other people in the story who contributed to this story - equally strong characters: Deborah, her great grand niece and her carer, Arifa. As her family contemplate Nora becoming the oldest person in the world they are planning a party. But Nora has other ideas.
As she reflects on her long life she reflects on prejudice, immigration, the holocaust how it affected her, along with family and parenting. Read it to find out how all of this comes together to make an enjoyable read with humour. Thank you to net galley and to One More Chapter for making this available to me for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this. I liked the book itself - very moving and also a bit different. Really well narrated too. thank you for the ARC.

I very much enjoyed the audio version of The Curious Kidnapping Of Nora W, written by Cate Green. A beautifully written book which was well narrated. Using a number of different narrators was a good choice, because of the diverse characters (of origins and ages).
I have to admit. I initially struggled with Deborah Levene, who was not initially a very nice person. But she warmed up and we got to know her better, so she definitely grew on me. The author and narrator did a good job of voicing her growth and taking the reader along with her.
I found the concept of the book intriguing. It is a et during the run up to the main character Nora’s approaching big birthday, that is going to make her the oldest person the world has ever recorded.
The subtlety of the written parallels between Nora’s experience as a Jewish refugee in London in the 1940s and her carer Arifa’s experience as a Syrian refugee in 2018 was so well done, and I loved both characters. Their current lives and the insights into their past made the book for me.
I definitely recommend this lovely novel, and I would like to read it as well as listening to it.

Narration was fabulous. All three readers imbuing their parts with energy, wit and emotionally impact.

This was a touching story, more about prejudice and subterfuge than you might first imagine. Hidden, grief, familial ties and heaps of culinary and cultural richness. I loved it!,

This was such a heartwarming tale. And I loved the camaraderie between Nora Wojnaswk and Arifa. Absolutely fantastic. The parallels between them and their lives, their losses makes this a heart-tugging story. It should absolutely be listened to or read.

Although easy to listen to, I didn't find the story gripping. The topic of the holocaust is raw and Cate approaches the topic with sensitivity. I enjoyed getting to know the characters but felt it hard going.

The Curious Kidnapping Of Nora W is the first novel by prize-winning British-born French journalist, copywriter and author, Caste Green. The audio version is narrated by Sarah Agha;,Deryn Edwards, and Katherine Press. In early April 2018, Dinora Wojnawski is less than three weeks away from being the oldest person in the world, at 122 years and 165 days. Her great-granddaughter, Deborah Levene has been charged with organising the party, and she has the venue, the rabbi, the caterers and the entertainment all organised when Nora spits the dummy: no party, no way, bupkis

When Sylvia Wojnawski, Deb’s ever-critical mother, hears the news, she is confident she can talk her mother-in-law around, a plan that falls at the first hurdle when the family finds that Nora has signed herself out of The Cedars Care Home to live with her favourite Cedars carer, Syrian refugee Arifa Hashmi.

Considering her elderly and vulnerable, they haven’t reckoned with Nora’s strength and resilience, her tenacity and her stubbornness: no matter how much they try to reason with her, she’s determined to stay put with Arifa and her son Nasir in their Stepney flat. Not only that, but it’s very handy to where she and her late husband had their East End shop, Henry’s Fruit in Quaker Street.

Even though Arifa seems caring and deferential, Deb, her mother and her New York lawyer brother are immediately suspicious that this Middle-Eastern woman and her son are embarking on a scheme to cheat Nora out of her savings (their inheritance). Especially when young Nasif suddenly acquires a laptop computer and money starts disappearing from Nora’s bank account.

Outings to the café that now occupies Henry’s Fruit, the Synagogue, the site of the Grand Palais, the old Jewish theatre, and the Jewish Cemetery all evoke memories for Nora, some of them joyful, others painful: Nora is a Holocaust survivor, and avoids sharing those stories with her twenty-one direct descendants. But an incident at the cemetery takes everyone’s minds off the cancelled party….

Deborah and Arifa carry the main story, with Nora’s reminiscences filling in some of the backstory. Green’s characters have depth and appeal, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations, as well as snappy dialogue that includes a good helping of humour. The sprinkling of Yiddish and Syrian Arabic words and phrases throughout adds authenticity.

The parallels between the experiences of each refugee family, similarities but also differences are quickly apparent to the reader, and clearly one of the reasons that Arifa and Nora connect so well. Green says that Nora was inspired by her late mother-in-law, ad that her aim was to write a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past, something she has definitely achieved. A moving uplifting and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio One More Chapter.

Nora is about to become the world’s oldest woman and her family decide a party is the only way to celebrate this properly. They’ll hold it at a big, fancy venue and invite everyone including the rabbi. And Nora will love it won’t she? No, Nora won’t. She doesn’t want a party, she doesn’t want to be old and she certainly doesn’t want to lose her marbles. A fiercely independent Jewish grandmother she had a tough start and has the tattoo to prove it and she’s not going to roll over now and let her family decide how she spends her days. So Nora cooks up a plan, dragging her nursing home care assistant and son along for the ride. Revisiting her past life she reminisces on the good and bad times whilst having some fun and teaching those around her a few things along the way. A fabulous read about family, aging and humanity in general. 4.5 stars from me.
With thanks to netgalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for my own honest opinion.

Totally and utterly charming, funny, heartbreaking and beautifully narrated.
This story is packed full of heart and hutzpah, and was an utter delight all the way through.
I loved the breadth and depth that each of the different perspectives brought to the story, from the Nazi invasion of Poland in WWII to the desperate streets of present day Syria, into London’s post-war Jewish quarter and forward into the unquiet peace of a residential home.
Family tragedies stand shoulder to shoulder with celebrations, and I felt privileged to share Nora’s 122 years of experience, intelligence and her no-nonsense attitude. It’s a good reminder that the elders in our communities deserve our time, respect and protection.
Five shining stars for Cate Green. I loved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the chance to listen to an advance copy of this delightful story.

This was an enjoyable audiobook was an easy to follow storyline.
The narrators for the 3 main characters were great, and whilst I didn’t find any ‘edge of your seat’ moments the story ticked along nicely.
A good 3.5 stars.

A wonderful audiobook celebrating the force of nature that is Nora. As she approaches her 123rd year, time is closing in on her breaking a world record for her age. The celebration couldn't be further from her wishes. Her family squabbles over how best to celebrate without actually listening to Nora. Her granddaughter Debs has been tasked with the party planning and is caught between all the waring family members. Nora is such an incredible character, and her memories of her long life awe-inspiring as she has survived war, The Holocaust and so much more during a life well lived. Her carer Arifa is an amazing friend to Nora, a Syrian refugee who has faced her own traumas and becomes a saviour to Nora. There is such superb characterisation in this novel and these characters are all do well represents Ted on the audiobook with inclusion of differing accents and languages. A perfect feel good summer listen. #thecuriouskidnappingofnoraw #categreen #netgalley #harpercollinsukaudio #onemorechapter

<i> Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest woman in the world, and her family are determined to celebrate in style. Her great grandaughter, Debs, however, is not too happy about being left in charge of the party. It’s been a struggle to get the Rabbi to commit to a date and the large Wojnaswki clan can’t agree on what food should be served.

Only, Debs’s problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn’t your average centenarian, and she has other ideas… </i>

This was an enjoyable story that managed to cover a wide range of emotions. I loved the character of Nora and was moved by her sorrowful history, but also moved to laughter by her current antics and some of the things she said. I also enjoyed the character of Arifa and the parallels between the two women’s lives.

The other characters and side stories were less relatable and less engrossing and made the pace lag a bit, but every time it recentered those two women I once again for delight.

Overall a good if somewhat uneven read- but still worthwhile.

Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards, and Katherine Press did a good job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Cate Green, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nora lives in the Cedars nursing home, she is 122 and is about to become the world's oldest person ever. Nora survived the holocaust. Her nursing home carer, Arifa, survived the Syrian war. Nora leaves the nursing home with the help of Arifa and together, much to the distaste of her family, they revisit places from her life in London. Throughout the story Nora shares her memories of coming to England and of her life in Poland before and after the war.

This was a book of two halves for me. On one side it was beautifully written with heartbreaking stories from characters affected by the holocaust and also the Syrian war. On the other side there were some other very unlikeable characters, and a misunderstanding story strand that I didn't enjoy. Arifa and Nora were beautifully written characters though and their stories were both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The narration was great, especially the narrators who voiced Nora & Arifa. They really brought the story to life. Solid 4 stars!

Nora is 122 years old and living in a home waiting to become the oldest person ever. .she survived the war and now must survive her family expectations as the date draws near.

So begins an adventure with her cara Arifa as she revisits old haunts and memories. Lots more will happen in Nora’s life before this day comes.

A well written and narrated novel. Lots of fun and adventure and lots of opinions that will need to change. Really enjoyed this as an audiobook and would highly recommend.

Nora Wojnaswki is on the brink of turning 122 years of age and is about to become the oldest ever woman in the world. Her family want to celebrate the day with a big party and of course the Guinness Book of Records has to be present. Her great-grand-daughter Deb is juggling her busy life and trying to organise the special birthday party.

Nora, on the other hand has other ideas. With the assistance of her carer Arifa, she disappears from The Cedars Care Home and returns to the East End of London. She stays with Arifa and her son Nasser and over the following days visits the places where she worked and lived when she was a young woman. Needless to say, Nora’s family are completely baffled by the situation.

This is a really beautiful story of friendship between Holocaust survivor Nora and Arifa and her son Nasser, who fled war-torn Syria. Although several decades apart in age, they all experienced displacement and loss and were forced to flee their home country and come to the East End of London as refugees.

I would defy any reader not to fall in love with Nora. She is feisty, doesn’t suffer fools gladly and at 121 years of age discovers doesn’t limit herself and embraces digital technology!

The audiobook is brilliantly narrated by Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards and Katherine Press who all Brough the book to life.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. Audio for making this audio-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was such a cute book. The oldest women in the world a being made to celebrate her next birthday - she’s strong willed and doesn’t want to. She’d rather be playing poker online. Her family seem very money focused and don’t really listen to her views. A carer is her saviour. She listens and does exactly what she’s asked.
There are flash backs to the plights of the Jews in WWII and Joe this links to those refugees needing to move now.
I loved this book, so real!

Get ready to drop everything in your life to fall in love with Nora W. A formidable 122 year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and holocaust survivor who is a mere number of days away from becoming the oldest person to ever live. When we meet Nora she’s residing in a care home, cared for by Arifa who has fled Syria, with her son, she doesn’t need the training package telling her of respect and bedside manners, for however difficult Nora is Arifa knows how to respect her elders. Then there’s Debs (I despised Debs for the majority of the book) Debs has been given the task of arranging the Guinness book of records party to celebrate her Bubbe breaking the world record. Ensue adventure, a beautiful trip down memory lane and a lesson about life love strength endurance.

I don’t have the correct words to explain to you how much I loved this story, it’s beautiful in every way. It will have you laughing out loud one minute and sobbing the next. Hearing both Nora and Arifa”s stories throughout was really special. There are lessons throughout. All the stars for this one! #Jorecommends Look out for this on July 20th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.