The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man in Letters to my Grandchildren and Other Friends

Anyone who studies contemporary history, business and management or aspires to succeed in life without selling out on their values and dreams should read this book. In Volume III Keith and Claire Norman continue the unabridged account of their lives, which takes the reader through the 1980's. At this stage, Keith is approaching 60, not many would call themselves 'young', 'brave', and 'adventurous'. In fact, the majority of us would probably have started thinking of retirement and check on the state of their pension funds. Well, not Keith! Keith met Claire, the love of his life, in 1979 and from then on this remarkable duo became an example of business acumen, tenacity and selfless devotion to any task they undertook. Not everything they touched turned to gold. Quite literally, it was gold that escaped. But this set back was a prelude to incredible achievements on the international stage, as well as in their personal businesses.

From the freezing temperatures of Northern Canada and the heat and humidity of Guyana's rainforest, infested with sand flies, snakes and roaming jaguars, to the high powered corridors of the IFC, the United Nations, and the exclusive members' clubs of New York, Washington and London, they tirelessly embraced the thrills and adversity which are the bed fellows of entrepreneurs.

Accepting the status quo would never get Keith where he wanted to be, but knowing which of the rules to bend or having an iron clad sense of fairness and integrity resulted in Keith receiving letters of commendation from the head of the IFC and the appreciation of many political and noted business figures of the day.

Volume III culminates on a personal note with a description of their wedding that would make everyone wish they had shared in the celebrations... and everyone who was there were truly blessed by the occasion. This volume takes us through the intricacies of risky business undertakings, across continents and into the world of high finance and political intrigue and leaves us hungry for more.

Keith and Claire write about their lives and work with such candour, dignity and humour that no-one should be left indifferent and is certain to remain curious as to what happens next. Few might guess, but there is still more to come, since for Keith and Claire, life is only just beginning!

Born to professional middle-class parents in the UK and forced to take on the mantle of adulthood at an early age during the turbulent years of World War II, Keith Norman developed an independent spirit and an inner drive that has served him well throughout his business career. His bold optimism and unrelenting energy has taken him around the world in a variety of occupations and in the company of colorful characters, many of whom became friends, or partners. Despite many ups and downs, and several fortunes gained and lost along the way, Keith's confidence in his abilities never wavered, and he has always been ready to tackle the next opportunity. Naturally prone to self-reflection, Keith began to analyze the inner reasons for the course his life had taken, both in business and in his personal decisions, and proceeded to take corrective action, reconciling with those he had inadvertently hurt along the way. In response to several requests from family members, friends, and acquaintances, Keith's current challenge is to write a "no holds barred" account of his extraordinary life, which is far from over . . . .