The Boy Who Lived

When Magic and Reality Collide: my story

De: David Holmes

Narrado por: David Holmes, Toby Laurence - foreword

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

triggering 2nd half

during the 2nd half of this book, I found it triggering and couldn't wait for it to finish. I kept hoping I would feel differently by the end, but no. Having grown up with a brother disabled from birth with no arms, severe scoliosis and prognosis of death by suffocation in his 20s, and most definitely not the financial resources David had and has. I could not handle without a lot of anger all the talk of the design house and all the trips, etc. I've watched my parents give everything for my brother throughout their lives. I honestly thought I might find this book inspiring, but with all the long discussions of the financial support David had and has, that my brother will never have, I couldn't wait to hear the book end. Maybe this book should come with trigger warnings for people dealing with disabled situations that don't have awesome financial resources.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Wild journey of resilience

Like David Holmes I too had an accident that took me from high performance athlete to disabled individual. This book told that story. Anyone can become disabled at any time. But to see someone like myself go from extremely able bodied, to extremely disabled, and still finding a way to live out their lives with fulfillment and purpose, is an inspiring story to hear. Thank you David for encouraging me, keep strong my friend!

Crazy to hear about his story

It’s crazy to hear David Holmes story and how much the accident affected his life. He shares it in a really easy to understand way.

Wisdom Achieved

I strongly believe those with the most wisdom are those who have LIVED with much resilience and strength when faced with a situation the rest of us would react with "I can't imagine...." David solidifies this belief and is truly insightful, realistic and matter of fact. Though I have 'lived' a different life with my own woes, I relate to the importance of savoring the good, being thankful for what is now, and letting those woes define me how I want them to.