Norman Bray in the Performance of His Life

by Trevor Cole

Finalist for the Governor General’s Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book (Canada and Caribbean region)

A Globe and Mail Notable Book of the Year

For years, Toronto stage actor Norman Bray has renounced all responsibility in the name of his “art.” Now, middle-aged, teetering on the edge of financial ruin, and clinging to the faded light of his career, Norman must answer to the bank, to the adult children of his recently deceased common-law wife, and, most of all, to his own illusions about himself. Making matters worse, Amy, his stepdaughter-of-a-sort, discovers her late mother’s journals and the unhappiness they contain. Meanwhile, Norman finds himself embroiled in the affairs of an attractive neighbour, with unexpected consequences. Highly original, skewering, hilarious, humane, Trevor Cole’s brilliant debut looks at the precarious ties of love and family and the plight of a man who has reached the end of the line — and has only himself to blame.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Humor, Book Club

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Trevor Cole (born Trevor William Cole on February 15, 1960) is a Canadian novelist and journalist. His first two novels, Norman Bray in the Performance of his Life (2004) and The Fearsome Particles (2006), were nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction and longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

Reviews

[Alexandra Prochshenko]

This isn't the first book by Trevor Cole I've bought, but this is his debut novel, and it is a damn fine read!
It is engaging, well-crafted and hilarious novel about the aging actor with an enormous ego who seems incorrigible. To be honest, while reading I really wanted life to hit him hard, and the author didn't disappoint me. :P

I personally LOVE Trevor Cole's negative characters: they are 100% assholes, and if you don't see it... well, then you have some problems with your morality. Why read it then, you might ask? Why spend time on disturbing characters?

Well, first, you definitely see, whom you DON'T want to be, and what qualities DON'T make you look better. Second, you see how to deal with such people. Third, you learn that they might (or might not) change sometimes, and it makes you feel better about the humanity. Fourth, it is an easy fun read, not Irvine-Welsh kind of negative, highly disturbing characters. Fifth, in Norman Bray in the performance of his life Trevor Cole deeply analyzes our (first world/Canadian) society through the eyes of selected characters, and make you, the reader, think about it too. Sixth, it invites you to try others' shoes on and decide on your feelings about their ways of living after.

After all, this book is a great way to start your familiarity with this brilliant author!

[Emilia]

honestly have no idea what to do with this one... it was... disturbing...? so much so, I went few days thinking about it... to what point it is realistic? do we hope for more or less people of that kind around? if I met Norman Bray, would he drive me nuts? would I think him a genius actor or quite opposite?
this book was too engaging for me I think... somehow it touched my spirit in a way books usually do not do, and to tell the truth - I am not sure if I like it or not...
can't give any stars... too many mixed emotions...

[Kait Simpson]

good writing. did NOT like the main character

[Sarah]

Another book club pick and the only reason I perservered through. Could not feel for any of the main characters and really only mildly interesting.

[Sherry]

3.5. I enjoyed the story but was disappointed with the ending.

[Carole]

I have rarely read a novel with such amazing characterization that the main character felt so absolutely real to me. This book was a finalist for the Governor General's Award in 2004 and very deservedly so.

In Norman Bray, Trevor Cole has created the most obnoxious, self-centred, arrogant, pig-headed character I have ever met in literature. And yet, he somehow manages to make us care about him! There were times that I wanted to smack him (when he goes to see the loans officer at the bank, for example) and other times when I could see the inherent goodness in him despite the rather eccentric way in which he expressed it. This is most evident in the scene where he sings "I am Sixteen Going on Seventeen" to comfort Amy during a teenage crisis.

A very unusual and very enjoyable novel.

[Glen]

Norman Bray is a disaster of a human being--egocentric and narcissistic in the extreme, which seems somewhat ironic on the face of it given that Bray is an actor, and the capacity for empathy, for putting oneself in another's shoes, so to speak, would seem to be required for that profession and art. However, his own self-opinion notwithstanding, Bray is not an especially good actor, or if he is, he is so insufferable that he is virtually impossible to work with. Even with his would-be friends and family, he is so self-centered and self-righteous that anything that smacks of intimacy is unbearable. This pathetic person is the protagonist of this novel, and while there are several funny scenes, overall the novel is a long wait to see if Norman Bray ever grows up, if he ever develops as a character. I will not spoil the read for anyone except to say that you don't find out until about the last 20 pages.

[Jane Mulkewich]

This book was recommended to me by my friend Sharon Bray, and not so much because of the name of the title character, but because I was reading books set in Hamilton, and this book was written by an author who was living in Hamilton at the time. The book (set in Toronto, not Hamilton) won a City of Hamilton Arts Award for literature, and was a finalist for the Governor General's literary awards. The dust jacket paints the book as "howlingly funny" and "hilarious", although it is actually about a self-absorbed down-on-his-luck actor, and the humour is dark and only a thin veneer over what is essentially a sad story, nevertheless the book leaves the reader awe-struck by a brilliant character study of someone who is obsessed with living his life the way he wants to live it, unencumbered by realities that the rest of us have to deal with, such as mortgages...

[Daniel Kukwa]

Norman Bray is quite the creation: a selfish, narcissistic, talented, frightened, damaged, tragic character who inspires awe and revulsion in equal measure. This novel is a wonderful exploration of someone hiding at the heart of a personal, comfortable reality that is at odds with the real world. My only issue is that the ultimate resolution of this story feels to loose and ambiguous; I would have preferred something with a bit more definitive closure. But I can't fault the journey: funny, sad, witty & melancholy.

[KG]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I continue to find Mr. Cole’s style of writing quirkily engaging.
It was (almost) unfortunate timing in reading this in 2021 as many of Norman’s personality traits are so similar to a certain former, twice-impeached POTUS. It was challenging to find any redeeming qualities in Norman however I was pleased that he seemed to eventually evolve.
I definitely recommend this, especially for a book club discussion.

[Nancy]

I agree that I don't know what to make of this book. It was very well written and the characters well developed, although I didn't like and couldn't relate to any of them. I didn't find it funny AT ALL, in fact, just the opposite. I found it profoundly sad. I gave it 3 stars for the writing but I can't say I enjoyed it.

[Marilyn Kriete]

This book was hilarious the first time I read it, and it's entertaining me all over again as I revisit Norman Bray, pathetically out of touch with how others perceive him, but always true to his core. There are several literary characters who leave a permanent impression on my heart, and Norman Bray is one of them. Love that it's set in Toronto, too--one of my favorite cities. Highly recommended!

[Amy]

This book was recommended to me by Helen Hoy as "really funny." I followed up on the recommendation thinking I would like a funny read. Unfortunately, I found the Norman character pathetic and not particularly funny. Not sure why I finished this book, except that I kept hoping it would improve and get funny. Really deserves no more than 2.5 stars.

[Janet Marsten]

I read this so long I've forgotten much of it. I recall that I enjoyed it, the character Norman Bray was well drawn if pathetic and awful and I'm glad I don't have someone like him in my life. I thought the ending was a bit of a let down but I think that of most novels. I absolutely loved the Toronto settings though.

[Pooker]

On my goodness, this book has some of the funniest bits. When Norman blurts out something about the beauty of the loan manager's bald spot I thought I'd pee myself. Reminder to self to find the actual quote.

Okay the bald spot bit comes on pages 89-90, but I won't quote it. I'd have to quote the whole bank visit episode which is both horrific and hilarious from start to finish.

I loved this book and was going to give it four and a half stars, which is about as much as I've given any book. But I've changed my mind and given it five. The reason? Well, as funny as this book is, it has given me pause for some sober thought. Norman Bray is about as self-absorbed and self-obsessed as you can possibly imagine. He has zero empathy or sympathy for anyone other than himself. Every event, everyone else's actions, words or thoughts must, somehow, relate to him, both in the way Norman thinks about things and in his outward actions/reactions to them. No sooner did I say to myself, "How can anyone be this self-absorbed!" I immediately recalled the numerous times my significant other has said, jokingly I thought, "You know, it's not always all about you!" Gulp! Could it be that I am Norman Bray? :D

[Lana.]

We've all met people who are so strong in their convictions that doubt never seems to enter their minds: All evidence can be twisted to eventually match their point of view. Norman Bray is one of them. As an actor who's long been pursecuted for his devotion to art (as he believes himself to be), it only seems natural that the bank is trying to take his home - it's part of the conspiracy. His

Norman's tenuous grasp of reality makes his interactions with the less talented people in his life very sad, but also darkly humourous. And as things fall apart, writer Trevor Cole still manages somehow to make it strangely hopeful.

Not for everyone, but certainly though-provoking on what truths we let ourselves believe, as well as some questions on what makes an artist. The story feels unfinished in a way, and I'd like to think of what just might happen.

[Vicki]

Norman Bray is a middle-aged, underemployed actor who perhaps is self-deluded as a professional skill … or perhaps is just self-deluded. As career, home and relationships come unraveled, events from his past start to bubble up for re-examination. As circumstances change more and more rapidly for Norman, does he learn and change personally? It’s hard to tell as this acerbic, at times funny, at times troubling story unfolds … and that “hard to tell” element is the most convincing aspect of this at times infuriating but always intriguing book.

[Anne]

When I started this book, I thought of the title's meaning his ultimate performance, the one he would be remembered by. I kept waiting for it to happen. But no, Norman Bray is an ACTOR, 24/7, his life is a performance.
He is self-centered, selfish, narcissistic, conceited and yet, the author makes you care about him. This book deals with Norman at the lowest point of his life and shows his redemption. There is a surprise in the end about the one performance on which Norman prides himself.

[Scotchneat]

This was Cole's first novel, and it shows his great skill at characterization. Norman is a delusional, self-aggrandizing out-of-work musical theatre actor. He's just been told that his mortgage is in default and he is going to lose his house.

Bray seems so real-life that I frequently wanted to punch him in the throat. It was hard to read at times just because he was so bloody annoying--and not in a "no one really acts like that way", even though he's so over the top.

[Benjamin Kahn]

A delightful read! Cole pulled me in with the very humorous first chapter and kept me entranced for the whole book. Norman's self-delusion in the face of overwhelming adversity seemed real and even his gradual dawning self-realization at the book progressed didn't seem forced. Not a book for everyone - I could see how his Norman's character would frustrate some readers. I think my wife would hate him. But I thought it was a great read.

[Harvey]

A wonderful character; pathetic, self-centered, very believable; the plot really doesn't climax {or even build much} but Norman Bray is fascinating and I want to drop in on his life in the future and see if he could possibly still be as self-absorbed.
- deservedly short-listed for the Governor-General's Award {the year that Toews won for 'A Complicated Kindess'}

[Kathy]

A witty and comical glimpse into the twisted and egotistical mind of a "has-been" stage actor.
Parts of the book truly made me laugh out loud. Norman Bray is a character I loved to hate but couldn't help but feel sorry for him at times. Other times, thought he got what he deserved.
An overall enjoyable read.

[D.A. Brown]

Am trying to plow through this as I truly enjoyed "Practical Jean", but I'm not getting the humour. Doubt I will finish the book, a rare thing for me.
Sorry to say it's in my donate pile. Hope someone else enjoys it. To sardonic for me.

[Jennifer]

A brilliant portrait of the humanity underlying narcissism, without pulling any punches on the interpersonal frustration of interacting with such unrelenting self-focus. Funny and so well written, I find myself slowing down to enjoy each word as I go with a heartfelt satisfying ending.

[Susan]

My dad gave me this book, recommended it. I actually laughed while reading it! I did not like Norman Bray for a very long time, but in the end, ... hey, I don't want to spoil it for you!

[Mike]

Very funny book about a self-absorbed two-bit actor.

[Laura]

All right, I confess, I purchased and have now read this book partly because the writer is a Hamiltonian, but also because it was up for the Governor General’s award. You know.

[Lizlemon]

Heartbreaking yet hilarious at the same time. Loved it!

[Valerie]

I'm going back to this - I never finished it when I started to read it the first time. Maybe I'll get through it this time. I think I ran our of caring for Norman...

[R]

I am not sure what to say about it really. I found Norman so difficult to like, not that I am sure you are supposed to. It is definitely well written.