The Boy Who Lived cover art

The Boy Who Lived

When Magic and Reality Collide: my story

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The Boy Who Lived

By: David Holmes
Narrated by: David Holmes, Toby Laurence - foreword
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About this listen

THE INSPIRATIONAL MEMOIR FROM HARRY POTTER STUNTMAN DAVID HOLMES: PERFECT FOR HARRY POTTER FANS.

NARRATED BY THE AUTHOR, WITH A FOREWORD BY DANIEL RADCLIFFE NARRATED BY TOBY LAURENCE.

As stunt double to Daniel Radcliffe in the Harry Potter film franchise, stuntman David Holmes helped to move J.K. Rowling's era-defining story from the page to the big screen. His work as a real-life Fall Guy enabled him to create some of the most memorable action sequences in the Wizarding World, as he became the first person ever to play Quidditch. In living his own hero's journey, David was also one of only a handful of people to have worn the iconic wizard's cape, glasses and scar in front of the cameras.

That is, until an accident changed his life forever.

During the making of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, David broke his neck in a stunt rehearsal and was instantly paralysed. From talented junior gymnast and stunt prodigy to fully qualified Hollywood stuntman, his story is a brutally honest portrait of a man who lost everything but found different ways to reimagine new possibilities with love, friendship and optimism - and he later co-created a BAFTA-nominated documentary about his life. David's behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest film series of all time is both jaw-dropping and hilarious.

Powerful and emotional, his is a story of hope and vulnerability and paints a picture of what it truly takes to rebuild a life and become The Boy Who Lived.

©2024 David Holmes (P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV People with Disabilities Magic Users Wizardry Magic Heartfelt Inspiring Witty
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Truly great story of David’s accident and life before,during and after his accident. Must read.

What a guy. What a story. What a life.

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David maintained his right to read his story. It’s the right call. It’s all the more meaningful when David speaks his truth. Thank you David.

Strength among challenge

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Inspiring story from a truly inspiring man, thanks for that holmsey, what a guy !
I wish you all the best for the future and u show everyone how you have no fear !

Everything

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David Holmes has such an incredible story. From one extreme life to another. No matter who you are I'm sure you'll be able to find some sort of relatable experiences to David. I have never met a more inspiring person, with such a wealth of knowledge. What a privilege it was to have David himself share something so personal and raw. We can all learn a valuable lesson about resilience.

David Holmes; The boy who INSPIRED!

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What a beautiful and tragic story, but it was moving and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story

So moving

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As a person living with a congenital disability, I found this book both comforting and confronting. David’s willingness to speak so frankly about his life both before and after his accident is a testament to his determination and a gift to all who read it.

Honest raw and real

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Brilliant, inspiring, thoughtful, funny. This book moved me deeply. Perfect delivery, so glad it was narrated by David.

Fantastic

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David’s incredible honesty and positively matter-of-fact attitude is palpable. It was gripping hearing him recall his experiences in his own voice. His reflection on growth and perspective truely resonates and he is fantastic at drawing commonalities that are relatable to the listener. Highly recommend!

An honest and gripping autobiography

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Absolutely amazing read. Love when the author reads his Own work, brings life into the pages.
You want to Laugh, read it.
You want to Cry, read it.
Love HP, read it.
David Holmes, what an inspiration.

The Man Who Grew

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I listened to this in a day, and...think it's safe to say I have come away with a proper crush on David. HE IS PASSIONATE. PLAYFUL. FUNNY. HONEST. COURAGEOUS. ADAPTIVE. DETERMINED. AND ADVENTUROUS. A TRUE GRYFFINDOR. Clearly a super loyal and supportive friend, teacher, college and family member. Everyone in David's orbit are super lucky...because he is sunshine in human form! He has a lovely voice, pace and way of expressing and addressing his journey that is genuine, heartfelt, funny and down to earth. I learned an immense amount about disability, stunts and how one person can endure so much, and come away from it being a surviviour (and not a victim)...to not only endure, but THRIVE. Thank you, David. You, your words and generosity will stay with me, Always.

A TRUE GRYFFINDOR!!!

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