ชีวิตเปี่ยมความหมายเมื่อฉันกลายเป็นนักพยากรณ์

by Keziah Frost, ไอริสา ชั้นศิริ (Translator)

นอร์เบิร์ต เซเลนก้า อดีตนักบัญชีวัย 73 ปี ผู้ใช้ชีวิตอย่างขัดสนและโดดเดี่ยว มีเพียง ไอวี่ สุนัขพันธุ์ชิวาวาตัวเล็กจิ๋วเป็นเพื่อน วันหนึ่งเกิดเหตุไม่คาดคิดขึ้นกับไอวี่ ทำให้นอร์เบิร์ตต้องหาเงินจำนวนมากเพื่อรักษาเพื่อนสนิทเพียงตัวเดียวของเขา

แก๊งสามสาววัยเกษียณประจำเมือง ตกลงกันว่าจะปั้นนอร์เบิร์ตเป็นหมอดูไพ่เพื่อช่วยให้เขามีรายได้ เขาตอบตกลงด้วยความลังเล ไม่นานหลังจากได้ชื่อว่าเป็นหมอดูไพ่ประจำเมือง ชีวิตเขาก็เปลี่ยนไปในทางที่ไม่เคยคาดคิด

ระยะเวลาหลายปีของการเป็นคนช่างสังเกตคนอื่น ทำให้นอร์เบิร์ตกลายเป็นหมอดูที่แม่นมาก มิตรภาพใหม่เกิดขึ้นในโลกอันอ้างว้างของเขา ในที่สุดเขาก็รู้สึกมั่นในในตัวเองและค้นพบที่ที่เหมาะกับเขา แต่แล้วหญิงสาวคนหนึ่งที่เขาดูดวงให้ก็หายตัวไป นอร์เบิร์ตคิดว่าเป็นเพราะสิ่งที่เขาพูด เขาจึงต้องออกตามหาเพื่อพาเธอกลับบ้าน

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Adult, Magical Realism, Adult Fiction, Literature

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2018

About the author

KEZIAH FROST has longed to write novels ever since she was in fifth grade and her white-haired teacher told her she would. Mrs. Kean told her not to worry about her failing grades in math, because when she grew up, she would write books that would make people happy.

Please sign up for her fun newsletter by clicking here:
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Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to enjoy a book that has older characters and no murders, sex or violence. Just a good old fashioned tale of friends helping friends. It's a story of loneliness and accepting change as a part of life. Sometimes change is good. Norbert is a likable man who was too generous in his younger days and now can't make ends meet during his retirement. Carlotta's girls, a group of several women decide to help him make extra money and include him in their friendship circle. The story is funny and all too realistic when it comes to the older generation not asking for help when it's needed but observing and giving it when you see a situation that needs corrected. I hope Mr. Frost continues to write with this perception and thoughtful insight. It will be easy to recommend this book to all readers.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Fortune-Teller by Keziah Frost is one of my favourite 2020 reads.

This book is a serious contemporary gem. When I start reading it, I got instantly hooked and needed to binge the whole thing. It's not only a very sweet story with great themes, but it's also just a fun ride!

Norbert Zelenka is older gentleman who lives with his dog in a tiny house. He's quite lonely and sticks to his regular routine. One day, he finds that he's struggling financially and coincidentally three women from his local art club present him with an opportunity. Nortbert becomes the reluctant fortune-teller, despite his incredible abilities. Once he embraces his great advice giving ways, he steps into a whole new world of fortune telling. Then, his abilities become greatly needed when a local girl goes missing...

This book is a lovely little drama. It's not super dramatic though, it's simply very sweet. There's gossip, there's a little tension, but it's mostly Norbert being a sweet man and trying to figure out his passion in his seventies. I hate to say it's a very "grown up" book, but it felt like the type of book I need as an adult.

The themes in this book are magical: finding one's passion, doing what's right, finding one's own way and the power of doing good. I love that this book is all about nice things. Sometimes, you just need a book about positivity! Sure, there's some dubious older ladies making crazy plans, but everyone needs a little drama and gossip to spice up their life.

Overall, this book is charming! It's a great tea drinking read and is the perfect way to relax.

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads

[Phaedra Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this sparkling read from new writer Keziah Frost.

[Lynda Loigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this charming and heartwarming story!

[Lucy Burdette · Rating 5 out of 5]

a charming book that leaves you with lots to think about in the end...

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this charming tale with older characters and no murders.
It was a very refreshing change from the murder and suspense. It was a
Story about people helping people and friendships, loyalty, trust and being
Yourself and acceptance of ourselves for who and what we are. I recommend
This book to all those who seek kindness and want to pass it on. Everyone
Needs friends, advice, and a little guidance from time to time. All have
periods of loneliness and change is something all must face. Enjoy!,

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a light read that maintains interest without ever feeling stressful, this is for you. The conflicts are all about relationships and misunderstandings and uncharitable thinking, not anything external and violent.

It was a perfect "end of the school year" book for me, with fun and quirky (but not manic pixie) characters. I enjoyed reading a book about older characters who are the protagonists rather than just support characters and whose conflicts and plot points are in the here and now rather than in the mists of time back when they were young.

Norbert, the main character, was a thoughtful and engaging character, the sort I would love to meet in real life. The three women who decide to turn him into a project are great fun as well, and I love the dynamic of their nearly lifelong friendship now that these women are in their 70s and 80s, and know the details of each other's lives intimately.

There seemed to be an overall message about staying open to what life sends you, and leaving room for experiences that didn't seem important at the time to matter later. I really enjoyed it.

[Elsa Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanaf de eerste pagina’s gaf dit verhaal mij een gezelligheidsgevoel, een ander woord kan ik er niet voor bedenken. Alhoewel, wellicht knusheid? In ieder geval wilde ik met een grote kop thee, onder een dekentje wegkruipen op de bank en dit boek achter elkaar uitlezen. Het deed mij denken aan de boeken en serie over Hendrik Groen, aan ouderwetse familie/kerstfilms met Robin Williams in de hoofdrol en meer in die trant.

Verdriet, humor, rouwverwerking, zelfontwikkeling/reflectie, familiebanden, vriendschap en nog veel meer komt in dit liefdevolle verhaal aanbod. Ondanks, of misschien dankzij, al deze diverse elementen leest het geheel lichtjes en vlot richting het einde. De schrijfstijl lijkt zich aan te passen aan de karakters van wie je op dat moment de belevenissen leest.

“Je goed kleden was een van de vreugdes van het bestaan, dacht ze bij zichzelf, terwijl ze de hoek van Clarence Avenue en Main Street omsloeg.”

Voor mij voelde dit boek tijdens het lezen ook als een soort van hoopgevend en een les in niets is wat het lijkt te zijn vooraf. Toch had ik soms heel even het gevoel dat kleine gebeurtenissen zich leken te herhalen waardoor het enigszins langdradig voelde op een gegeven moment. Maar het uiteindelijke, complete verhaal wist mij toch vast te houden en te vermaken tot op de laatste pagina.


Ik geef dit boek 4 sterren

Spanning: 6
Plot: 8
Leesplezier: 8
Schrijfstijl: 8
Originaliteit: 7
Psychologie: 7

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give 1/2 stars, I would give this novel 3.5 stars. A quick and lighthearted read with mini-messages throughout the novel.
-“There isn’t anyone else in this entire world like you, with your special gifts. Each one of you can do something that you will do better than anyone else. Your job in life is to find that thing.”
-“The truth is anywhere you are. The whole thing is the listening part. We don’t always listen.”
-“The strange thing about guilt is that it’s the good people who suffer with it. The people who do harm to others repeatedly and never care- they’re the ones free of guilt....But the purpose of guilt is only to keep you from making the same mistake again.”
If you enjoyed “A Man Called Ove,” you may enjoy this novel.

[Natalia Iwanyckyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet. Quirky. Fabulous.

I loved everything about this book. Quirky, elderly characters with great life stories/experiences and LOTS of personality. Fun explorations of card reading and new age concepts, with just the right touch of skepticism. Enough tension to keep the story interesting, but of a variety that left me happy.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet, sparkling and moving book. I really enjoyed reading it. It also give quite a lot of food for thought regarding old age, retirement, friendship and what it means to be helpful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decided to tackle this one recently as it had to been on my audio TBR pile for a while.

Felt I had to suspend a fair amount of disbelief regarding Norbert's background in the setup info, but once he was actually at the cafe reading cards things picked up. There is a point in the middle where I stopped listening to the audio, switching to the e-book. I wasn't real keen on going on with the rest of the story, feeling that I could have easily just left the book there and considered it finished. As it turns out I was right, the second part struck me as more of a sequel novela than one continuous tale. Moreover, the audiobook narration made the story seem longer than it was.

I made my peace with Norbert coming off as probably more wimpy than the author intended. However, Carlotta was just too narcissistic and controlling for my taste. So, not interested in reading the actual recent sequel with her as the main character. Wouldn't mind more about Edith, her nemesis at the new age Retreat Center.

As someone learning to read playing cards himself, I didn't really agree with the meanings of several of the ones given in the book. I do realize that people use their own system that is not necessarily the same for all cards, but these weren't really any interpretations with which I was familiar. I would like to have known more about where she got those meanings, or whether she more or less made them up as she went along?

[BrocheAroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and charming. A quick easy read with all of life's little peculiarities on display. Loved reading about older characters leading fulfilling and active lives.

A variety of human experiences and personalities are explored in this debut novel, as a lonely and poor older man finds himself becoming the newest project of the “Club” – a group of older women lifelong friends. Reluctantly, as the title states, Norbert Z. uses his gifts to read the cards of the people who join him at a local café. In the end, no life is left untouched by his quiet observations. Another delightful story to add to the list of books about older adults enjoying a full (and often surprising, even to them) life.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think there may be a trend in older people and new connections with community or some such. This is like that. Vaguely feels like A Man Called Ove except Norbert's a really nice guy. It's a well written book with interesting characters. I could (and would like to) see this made as a tv show or movie.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute fluffy read, for when you need one.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my typical reading genre but a nicely told story. Four over-70 friends (3 ladies and 1 man all widowed) share life and adventures together and learn much more about themselves that they previously never realized existed.

[Indydriven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norbert Zelenka is a 73 year old widower and retired accountant who despite faithfully saving is now broke due to people taking advantage of his willingness to help others. He is so broke in fact that he is having to resort to obtaining food from his local food bank and has been receiving final notices on utility bills.

Along comes Carlotta’s Club which consists of three seniors – Carlotta, Birdie and Margaret, who have figured out Norbert’s predicament and are determined to help him turn things around financially. Their plan is for Norbert to become a fortune teller and to ply his trade at Good Fortune Café who is owned by Carlotta’s niece, Hope Delaney.

Norbert diligently studies the card-reading books he is provided by the three women and practices by doing readings for them. What the women and Norbert himself didn’t appreciate at the time was how intuitive and observant of people he is. Norbert has been a great observer of people and things and is adept at bringing these skills to his new profession. For example, a customer comes in for a reading from Norbert and he immediately notices that they are holding their arm in a peculiar manner. He has observed two other people in his past that held their arms in the same manner and the common denominator was that both people had home-cared parents who had had strokes. After a long period of caring for these stroke victims they had unconsciously started mimicking how the victims held their “dead” arm. Immediately Norbert asked his customer if they looked after someone who had had a stroke. The customer confirmed his insight and soon news of Norbert’s success at foretelling the future and the past spreads and he quickly becomes solvent again.

This book is about friendship (old and new) and it was entertaining to see Norbert’s confidence grow while at the same time, his loneliness faded as he became the unofficial fourth member of “Carlotta’s Club”. It was a cute, quick read.

[Taylor]

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. Norbert Zelenka’s life hasn’t exactly turned out as planned. A somewhat socially awkward loner and a widower, Norbert, at age seventy-three, is only just scraping by with the help of the local food bank. His only companion is his chihuahua Ivy. Norbert spends parts of his days at the arts centre where he comes to the attention of Carlotta’s Club, a trio of elderly women led by the domineering (and rather horrible) Carlotta. They decide to make a project of Norbert and set him up as a fortune teller to help him out of his financial woes. Having spent his life as an observer rather than a participant, Norbert has developed keen observational skills and a good understanding of human nature. Paired with the knowledge he has amassed over the years from his love of Reader’s Digest, Norbert proves to be a great success as a fortune teller.

This book was an absolute delight to read. The story was charming and the characters were fabulous (even the awful ones). It reminded me a lot of Alexander McCall Smith’s books, not only with the style of story-telling and characterization, but in its overall optimism and heartwarming nature. This was Keziah Frost’s debut novel and I will most definitely be looking for more from her.

Thank you so much to Goodreads Giveaways for providing me an opportunity to read this book.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story of a quiet, lonely, elderly man, Norbert Zelenka, who once had two million dollars, but is now impoverished because he gave his money to people who asked him for help. Three local ladies in his small town decide that he needs to get paying work and insist that he become a fortune teller, reading cards at a local cafe. What ensues is a wonderful story with dry, clever humor and unique characters that charmed me on every page--my idea of the perfect fun, gentle read. Can't wait for this author to publish another book.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norbert Zelenka has reached his 70s always remaining in the background even when all he wanted was to be seen. He and his dog, Ivy, live a frugal existence when some visitors come calling. The ladies of The Club have noticed him and offer a way for him to earn money by telling fortunes. More than that I don't want to say, because you should experience this book yourself. If " A Man Called Ove" spoke to you, don't miss reading this book. Loved it!

[Siwabhorn Anothaisintawee · Rating 4 out of 5]

จากชายยากไร้ กลายเป็นหมอดู

นอร์เบิร์ต ชายวัยเกษียณที่กำลังพบกับวิกฤตทางการเงิน เมื่อเขาไม่มีเงินจ่ายบิลต่างๆ ทั้งค่าน้ำ ค่าไฟ จนกระทั่งเขาต้องอาศัยอาหารที่แจกที่โบส์ถมารับประทาน

ชีวิตถึงขีดสุดเมิ่อไอวี่ ชิวาวาสุดที่รักเกิดอุบัติเหตุจนต้องผ่าตัดครั้งใหญ่ ถ้านอร์เบิร์ตไม่ทำอะไร เขาคงไม่สามารถหาเงินมาจ่ายค่ารักษาให้ไอวี่ได้

ตอนนั้นเองที่แก๊งค์สามสาวที่อายุรวมกันได้เกือบสามร้อยปีได้ยื่นมือเข้ามาช่วยเหลือ ด้วยการปั้นให้นอร์เบิร์ตกลายเป็นหมอดูในร้านกาแฟ

เขาศึกษาหนังสือสอนอ่านไพ่ ประกอบกับนิสัยช่างสังเกตุ ประสบการณ์ชีวิต และมวลความรู้ที่ได้จากการอ่านรีเดอร์ไดเจสท์มาใช้ดูดวงจนกลายเป็นนักพยากรณ์ชื่อดังประจำเมือง

ในขณะที่เขากำลังลังเลเกี่ยวกับอนาคตทางหน้าที่การงานของตน ซัมเมอร์ หลานสาวของหนึ่งในสามสาวผู้มีพระคุณก็หายตัวไปหลังจากที่มาอ่านไพ่กับเขา

คราวนี้นอร์เบิร์ตจึงต้องใช้พลังของเขาตามหาซัมเมอร์ให้เจอให้ได้

หนังสือที่อ่านแล้วอบอุ่นหัวใจ มีตัวละครหลักวัยเกษียณ ไม่มีคนตาย ไม่มีความรุนแรง เนื้อเรื่องสนุก ค่อนข้างสมจริง

Goodread ให้ 3.7 เราให้ 3.8

[Susan Tunis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a light and slight comedy, but sweet. It is not well served by an overly broad audiobook reading, and may be better enjoyed on the page.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read to start 2023! This book was heart-warming and sweet. Also, it was a nice change of pace to feature a main character who was a man in his 70s (I'm a woman in my 50s, and I read way too many novels featuring women in their 20s and 30s). Definitely recommend for a light, fun read with some depth to it.

[Donna Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are existing on Food Bank groceries and a tiny Social Security check and the Queen of Busybodies and her crew arrive at your doorstep with a plan for you to earn money what should you do? Become a fortune teller, of course!
Norbert Zelenka is 70, widowed and living with his chichuahua; he has always lived in the background. The “Norbert Project” is the brainchild of three elderly women who have decided to bring him out of his dull world and improve him. They teach him to tell fortunes (using regular cards) and set him up in the local café—20 minutes for $20.
This charming, clever story has Norbert discovering his innate intuitions and wisdom as he gently advises his clients, or “querents.” He becomes a 20-minute life coach to the tourists and locals visiting the town. While encouraging his querents to “become who they are” he does so too. That’s not to say he doesn’t worry about being a fraud.
The characters are richly drawn, from the manipulative and well-meaning Carlotta, to the flaky Margaret, the sensitive Birdie and even some of the querents. I notice characters are given names like Hope and Summer. Obvious perhaps, but in this story, clever.
This is a perfect book to give a friend or share with a book club. I’ve been asked to start one at my favorite book store. This is my choice for sure! A wonderful first novel. My congratulations to the author!!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norbert Zelenka has always had a lot of advise to give. He thinks of it as a Sherlockian intuition. His Aunt Pearl said he had the “second sight.” Either way, the only thing anyone seems willing to accept from Norbert was his money. Now, the 73 year old retired accountant has given too much. He has trouble paying for himself and Ivy, his chihuahua. Enter the Club, three senior women led by Carlotta Moon. Carlotta loves project, and Norbert is perfect for her next idea. She and her friend Margaret and Birdie decided to turn Norbert into a card reading fortune-teller. Norbert, worried about finances, agrees. As he gets to work on readings, he realizes he does have a knack for it. People are finally listening to his advice. But maybe too much. Norbert begins to worry about the ramifications of people relying on his words so heavily. After a reading for a troubled goes awry, Norbert must listen to his own instincts in order to set things right.

What a lovely story this was. The tone stays fairly light-hearted throughout, with some wonderful heartwarming moments. The cast of characters, no matter their ages or ours, all have aspects of themselves we can relate to. The life lessons explored are always applicable. It goes to show that you’re never too old to learn and grow.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reluctant Fortune Teller is about Norbert Zelenka a retired 73 year-old who is pretty much broke. Too proud to admit he may need help he's been trying to get by on nothing. That is until three older woman decided he needed help and made him their new Project. They decide that Norbert would be perfect as a fortune teller as a bonus they've even got the location which is a cafe that is owned by the leader of the women, Carlotta.

The problem is that Norbert is really good at Fortune Telling. It turns out all the time he's spent observing people and reading "gasp" Reader's Digests has trained him for this job.

I loved that the main character was this 73 year-old man who grew as a character and the story was interesting. Often we see people of this age who have a great story . . . and then they die. So depressing. But this book had hope, plus I want to be as feisty as the ladies when I'm that age.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun spirited, magical feeling novel about a retired accountant who has given away all his money to help others. To help him make money, "the club", a group of 3 women led by Carlotta, take him under their wings and teach him the art of telling fortunes. Norbert has always been an observer, so he takes to it naturally and discovers with joy that he can help others make changes in their lives.

A little over long but a fun read that felt a little like "A Man Called Ove" except Norbert is the opposite of a curmudgeon. Don't miss this story!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me so often of Bensen's Mapp & Lucia books, with Carlotta as Lucia (the French episode) and Norbert as Mapp, at first grateful to Carlotta's interest and help and then outgrowing her tutelage. But this is more than that, this is also about old age and loneliness, and about being needed no matter what age you are. Finding friends, finding happiness and finding a purpose in life - all told in a quiet slice-of-life novel. Nothing better for spring.

ARC provided by publisher.

[Neile B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light read and at times, amusing book gets a solid 3.5 stars from me. I read this to a book club of senior citizens who really enjoyed it. It was a nice change of pace to have several older characters at the center of the story line.

[Whitney Schroeder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty disappointing. :( Doesn't really tie into expectation based on the synopsis at all until the very very end... ?