Blitzcat

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Winner of the Smarties Award in 1989, and set in World War II, this is the story of a courageous cat who led the way to safety out of the blazing ruins of blitz-torn Coventry. People touched her for luck, yet feared her as an omen of disaster. Wherever she went, she changed lives.

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1989

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About the author

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Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Robert Westall was born in North Shields, Northumberland, England in 1929.

His first published book The Machine Gunners (1975) which won him the Carnegie Medal is set in World War Two when a group of children living on Tyneside retrieve a machine-gun from a crashed German aircraft. He won the Carnegie Medal again in 1981 for The Scarecrows, the first writer to win it twice. He won the Smarties Prize in 1989 for Blitzcat and the Guardian Award in 1990 for The Kingdom by the Sea. Robert Westall's books have been published in 21 different countries and in 18 different languages, including Braille.

From: http://www.robertwestall.com/

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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An amazing book that offers a unique point of view from a cat's perspective. The story is set in WW2 London during the bombings. It truly takes the reader on an unforgettable journey through the eyes of this feline protagonist. I absolutely loved it! It remains one of my favorite books to this day. The author has done a remarkable job of bringing the war-torn city to life and showing how even a small cat can have a big impact. The details are vivid and the narrative is engaging, making it a page-turner from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a different kind of war story or simply a great read.

July 14,2025
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Here is a great story about a female cat named Lord Gort. Her loyalty to her human is truly remarkable. She embarks on a perilous journey and has many adventures during World War 2. The story is mostly set in Britain, but at one point, she finds herself in France. Along the way, she meets many people, some of whom are welcoming and others who are not. Despite the difficulties, she is determined to find her human.


If you are a cat lover, you will probably enjoy this story. The book does a good job of avoiding anthropomorphising for the most part. It is an older book and does show its age in some ways, but it is still an enjoyable read. The story will take you on a journey through a war-torn world and show you the power of loyalty and love.


Overall, this is a great book for anyone who loves cats or historical fiction. It is a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

July 14,2025
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Blitzcat is a remarkable and unique being.

It has a certain charm and allure that sets it apart from others.

Maybe it's its sleek and shiny fur, which seems to glisten in the light.

Or perhaps it's the way it moves with such grace and agility, as if it is defying the laws of nature.

Blitzcat could be a fictional character from a story, captivating the imaginations of readers.

It might have special powers or abilities that make it even more fascinating.

Whether it's a hero or a villain, Blitzcat leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter it.

In the world of fiction, Blitzcat could embark on exciting adventures, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles.

It could form friendships and alliances, or find itself in the midst of epic battles.

The possibilities for Blitzcat are endless, limited only by the creativity of the author.

July 14,2025
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The Blitzkrieg, that intense and rapid military campaign, along with the evacuation of Coventry and the billeting of soldiers in private homes, are all brought to life in this book for young adults.

Also, the experiences of rear gunmen in WWII fighter planes and the emotional rollercoasters that both soldiers and citizens endured are made real.

The story centers around a black female cat that has gone astray while trying to find and follow her master, an officer in the RAF.

Remarkably, this cat has the ability to sense bombs, fires, explosions, and attacks before they happen. Throughout the book, she manages to warn or lead people out of harm's way.

The author vividly portrays psi-trailing, a recognized yet not fully understood phenomenon that can occur in felines.

This adds an element of mystery and wonder to the story, making it even more engaging for young readers.

Overall, the book offers a unique and captivating perspective on the events of WWII through the eyes of a remarkable cat.
July 14,2025
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I had expected more than this. The translator had returned two works before this, both of which were readings.

The story was ordinary. Neither too extraordinary nor too mundane. It was a story of a cat whose owner was away, and the cat went out of the house to look for its owner. Two parallel stories. One was the story of this cat, and the other was the stories of the Royal Air Force in World War II.

It was an interesting combination, but somehow it didn't quite click for me. Maybe it was because the two stories didn't seem to have a strong enough connection. Or maybe it was because the translator didn't do a good enough job of bringing out the essence of the stories.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this translation. I had hoped for something more engaging and thought-provoking. But perhaps that was too much to ask for.
July 14,2025
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I have just finished reading the novel. I bought it because I love cats and the idea of a cat being the protagonist of events related to World War II appealed to me.

To be exact, Lord Gort, our protagonist, is a magnificent cat, very attached to its human. I should remind you that cats don't have owners, but only people who love and take care of them. Lord Gort is so attached to its human, an English fighter pilot, that it decides to follow him when he is sent to war.

The adventures of Lord Gort are touching and extraordinary. They tell us about heartbreaking historical events like the bombing of Coventry, but also delicate episodes like the salvation of a widow from depression thanks to one of Lord Gort's kittens.

The protagonist traverses history and the English landscape with the grace and strength typical of felines.

Due to its length, it is not suitable for a collective reading, but for an individual one. It allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and follow the adventures of Lord Gort at their own pace. The detailed descriptions of the war and the relationships between the characters make this novel a captivating read.
July 14,2025
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Cats are truly fascinating creatures.

They come in a variety of breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.

From the sleek and elegant Siamese to the fluffy and cuddly Persian, there is a cat for every type of person.

Cats are known for their independence and mysterious nature. They can be both affectionate and aloof, depending on their mood.

They love to play and explore, and their curious minds often lead them into mischief.

Despite their independent streak, cats also enjoy the company of their owners and will often seek out attention and affection.

Whether it's a gentle purr or a playful nudge, cats have a way of making their presence known and bringing joy to our lives.

So the next time you see a cat, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and wonder.

You might just be surprised by what you discover.
July 14,2025
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This was such a fun book.

Lord Gort, the protagonist, travels far and wide, traversing various landscapes and encountering a diverse range of people.

She has a remarkable ability to rescue those who are completely unaware that they are in need of help.

With a kind heart and a generous spirit, she showers love and compassion on everyone she meets.

The author has done an excellent job of creating well-rounded characters, each with their own unique and wonderful personalities.

From the brave and adventurous Lord Gort to the quirky and endearing supporting cast, every character adds depth and charm to the story.

Overall, this book is a delightful read that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.
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