The Boy Who Lived Audiobook By David Holmes 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 Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Witty

What listeners say about The Boy Who Lived

Highly rated for:

Inspiring Story Powerful Life Lessons Vulnerable Narration Emotional Journey Newfound Wisdom
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Inspirational and beautiful

Beautifully told. It’s such a treat for us potterheads and also an inspiring story full of life lessons. David’s voice is very soothing and conveys peace and wisdom. Thanks David for sharing your story with us!

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Powerful story

Absolutely loved this book, I even reached out to David after listening and he got back to me. Truly an amazing person and story.

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How he has the attitude to go over all that he has to go through.

Loved this very much. He seems to be inspiring on how he pushes forward.

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Wow! Perspective shift

as a huge fan of Harry Potter, when I heard of David’s story I couldn’t believe it.
His story is inspiring, perspective shifting with heartbreaking stories and moments of triumph. You’re incredible David Holmes.

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A spiritual journey

David’s transformation from a young reckless egocentric kid to a person who values the small joys in life is a lesson for all of us. We need to be mindful of this daily and when we hear a story like this, be grateful for those that have had to endure the sacrifices. Little did you know this was your life dharma, David. Thank you for sharing.

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Loved it. Great story teller.

The honesty, humor, and strength shared here is a lesson to all of us. He truly has lived to the fullest.

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Loved David’s Story!

I love the honest, raw, vulnerable story that David has shared. This also made me realize that we need more recognition for stunt people in Hollywood, they do some amazing and super dangerous things and do not get enough credit. Highly recommend this book!

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Amazing!

David Holmes brought so much magic into our lives as Harry Potter fans, the world should know him! Reading his story, and listening it in his own words was such a journey, it’s a must read!

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Loved.

I enjoyed this a lot and it was eye opening about the stunt man career. Lots of information that I had never thought to know and a lot of dangers that a movie watcher might never think of. I am glad David is still here. I’m glad his career was very successful although ending in tragedy and I thank him for his work in the Harry Potter movies that I loved. I’m so sad the cost he had to pay was so high.

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Emotional, inspiring and impactful

Powerful and emotional, David's is a story filled with life lessons for everybody. It's truly an impactful experience to listen to the retelling of his life, from the daredevil days of stunt performance to the never-ending struggle of disability. But, like he says, he never presents himself as a victim, rather as someone willing to always make the best of every experience and every moment.

In this way, this book definitely accomplished its task of communicating David's newfound life philosophy. It's truly inspiring and taught me that after all is said and done, we are all more equal than we think. With each of us facing our own challenges, the best thing we can do is be kind, live in the moment, and always remember to laugh.

I can tell I'm going to be reading this one again soon.

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