Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
30(30%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I discovered this precious gem in a Goodwill store.

The cover truly caught my attention, and I was aware that it wouldn't be straightforward to locate it through Libby.

I'm extremely glad that I made the purchase.

Yes, it pertains to WW2, but in reality, it's about a cat and those she encounters.

It is very well-written.

I adore all the mini stories about the diverse people.

My favorite was the one about the two old men with the horses.

However, the one about Tommy was also really excellent.

And I had hoped that she would reunite with her other human from the beginning again.

This is a book that I could read again and again.

I'm not fond of war books, and this doesn't give the impression of a war book at all.

I highly recommend it.

Song: Black Cat Blues by Memphis Minnie
July 14,2025
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It truly took me a considerable amount of time to read this piece.

The reason being that I simply couldn't bring myself to endure reading it for extended periods.

As time went on, it gradually became rather dull.

However, it's important to note that some of the chapters do manage to vividly showcase the kindness that exists within people.

They also highlight the very real and profound effect that the war had on the entire world.

This includes the countless lives that were unfortunately lost.

Despite the initial struggle to get through it, these aspects of the work do offer valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the human experience during such a tumultuous time.

Overall, it's a complex and somewhat challenging read, but one that does have its redeeming qualities.

July 14,2025
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I started reading this with my son in May (I think), taking turns: he read a page, then I read a page.

Now that I've finished it--alone--I realize that in every way, it's way ahead of him. Westall is categorized as a YA author, but this book truly requires a reader who has in-depth knowledge about the events surrounding WWII in England.

Probably not too many teens possess that kind of knowledge. However, I can envision it being utilized as a literature component in a history class.

Anyway, the story follows Lord Gort, a cat whose owner has been dispatched to the Continent in the early months of the war, prior to Dunkirk. The cat has the ability to sense her owner's location and spends the majority of the book attempting to find him.

Along the way, she is cared for and brings a certain kind of good fortune to many people. "Good fortune" might not be the most precise term; rather, she functions as a talisman for positivism in the midst of all the awfulness of war.

In spite of being a minor WWII enthusiast, I don't know an extensive amount about the war years in England (beyond the Land Girls movement).

Consequently, this was a surprisingly educational book. The cat spends some of her time in Coventry, and I won't disclose the impact she has on that city's tragedy, but it is deeply moving.

I completed this book just before departing for England. At both York and Lincoln, chapels have been established to honor the veterans and servicemen who lost their lives in the RAF and USAAC bombing raids that originated in that area.

I was constantly reminded of this book while in the U.K. And it was entirely a happy coincidence that I was reading it on the day we left. Now that we're home, I almost have the urge to read it again so that I can pay closer attention.

It's a really good book.
July 14,2025
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Cats know and you don't know.

This simple statement holds a certain mystery and charm. Cats have always been known for their mysterious and intuitive nature. They seem to possess a knowledge and understanding that is beyond our comprehension. Perhaps it is their acute senses or their ability to observe the world around them with such precision. While we may struggle to understand the inner workings of a cat's mind, they go about their lives with a quiet confidence. They know things that we can only guess at. Maybe they know when danger is approaching, or when it's time for a nap. Or perhaps they have a deeper understanding of the human heart than we give them credit for. Whatever it is, the fact that cats know and we don't know adds to their allure and makes them such fascinating creatures.
July 14,2025
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I truly wish I had come across this book many years ago. I have a deep affection for "The Machine Gunners", yet I had never delved into any more of Robert Westall's novels until I read "Fathom Five" last year. I discovered this particular book in a charity shop for just 25 pence - it was undoubtedly the best 25 pence I've ever spent!

This captivating story presents life during World War II from the perspective of a cat that ventures out in search of her master, who has been dispatched overseas. Much like "The Littlest Hobo", Lord Gort meanders in and out of people's lives, bestowing luck upon them all.

Yes, the story may bear a resemblance to Lassie and such, but it is the vivid manner in which it描绘s the diverse experiences of different people during World War II that truly sets this book apart. In this modern era, it is difficult to envision the horrors that our grandparents endured, but this story brings home precisely what they likely went through and truly makes one reflect.

Overall, this novel is perhaps more suitable for older children and adults due to the presence of some adult themes. Nevertheless, it is an outstanding book and well worth reading - especially if you are a cat lover.
July 14,2025
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Growing up, I always had a strong desire to read this book. However, I never seemed to get the opportunity.

Finally, just recently, I managed to pick it up and start reading. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed in the slightest.

The story was captivating from the very beginning, pulling me in and making it impossible for me to put the book down. The characters were well-developed and relatable, and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

As I read, I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created. I could feel the emotions of the characters as if they were my own, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.

In the end, I was sad to see the book come to an end, but at the same time, I was satisfied with how everything wrapped up. It was truly a great read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to get lost in.
July 14,2025
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Summary:


A cat named Lord Gort endeavors to locate her owner during World War 2. Each time she nears him, the harsh realities of the war intervene and keep them apart. Nevertheless, she is certain that her person exists somewhere, and she will not desist until she discovers him.


My Thoughts:


I regarded this as a rather excellent story presenting the events of World War 2 from an animal's vantage point. The narrative adopts the concept that pets can possess a sort of psychic connection with their owners and, in certain instances, are capable of tracking them over vast distances. In this case, Lord Gort knows that her owner is out there and still alive. However, no matter how far she travels, she always seems to narrowly miss him. Since black cats were regarded as lucky during the war, she is taken in by various individuals, and the story delves into some of the incidents that occurred during the war, especially in the United Kingdom during the Blitz. The book is written extremely well and does not avoid the fact that conflict can transform people, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. It is a scholastic book, so younger readers might not fully understand some of the allusions, but that's what history class and the internet are for, I suppose. All in all, if you are seeking a distinct kind of World War 2 story or have a child who needs to write a book report about something related to World War 2, give this one a try.

July 14,2025
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During World War II, when a cat named Lord Gort goes missing, her owners are filled with extreme worry. As she wanders around, everyone views her as a symbol of good luck. However, the question remains: will she ever manage to return home once again?
Personally, I didn't really take a liking to this book. It had a fair amount of swear words, which I found rather off-putting. Moreover, the plot was very confusing. It seemed to jump from one event to another without much clear connection. I had a hard time following the story and understanding what was really going on. Maybe others might find it interesting, but for me, it just didn't quite hit the mark.

July 14,2025
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Robert Westall was truly an amazing writer!

Don't let the label of "children's novel" mislead you. This categorization is simply absurd. The tone, content, and quality of this novel are very much adult in nature.

In fact, it consists of a series of short stories that are linked by a wandering cat. These stories depict the experiences of various people during wartime Britain. It explores many profound adult themes such as life, love, sex, death, horror, humour, loss, and tragedy.

The writing is exquisite. It beautifully captures the essence of the era and the emotions of the characters. So, don't hesitate, just pick up this book and read it! You'll be in for a treat.
July 14,2025
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What a brilliant story! It would probably be labelled as YA (Young Adult) nowadays. However, there are many descriptive episodes within it that could be used as extracts for UKS 2 (Upper Key Stage 2) students studying WW2.

His writing is truly outstanding. It is so good and immediate that it can bring some events to life and also serve as something for students to aspire to.

I thoroughly enjoyed (or perhaps "appreciated" would be a more accurate word) the coverage of the Dunkirk evacuation. It provided glimpses of the real men behind the uniforms. Similarly, the carpet bombing of Coventry was described in effortless detail, really bringing to life the experiences of the men and women on the home front during WW2.

There is some truly excellent historical detail in this story. The events and people are linked by the visits and friendship of a cat, the blitzcat. This unique element adds an interesting and engaging dimension to the historical narrative.

Overall, this story is not only a great read but also a valuable resource for teaching and learning about WW2. It combines historical accuracy with engaging writing, making it accessible and interesting for a wide range of readers.
July 14,2025
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A cat has an extraordinary tale to tell. It survived the 1940 Blitz, which was a terrifying and destructive event. In the south of England, this cat witnessed the firestorm of Coventry up close and personal. The Blitz brought with it a level of chaos and destruction that was almost unimaginable. The bombs rained down, buildings crumbled, and the sky was filled with smoke and fire.

But somehow, this little cat managed to endure it all. It saw the horror and the devastation, yet it persevered. It躲在角落里, trying to find safety in the midst of the chaos.

This cat's story is a reminder of the resilience and strength that can be found in the most unexpected places. It shows that even in the face of such extreme circumstances, life can go on. And perhaps, through its survival, this cat offers a glimmer of hope and a symbol of endurance in the midst of the darkness of war.
July 14,2025
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The book that I read recently was truly a disappointment.

It was extremely boring from the very beginning to the end. There was no excitement or any interesting plot twists to keep me engaged.

The characters were not well-developed, and I found it difficult to connect with them on any level.

The writing style was also rather平淡, lacking the vividness and creativity that I usually look for in a good book.

Overall, it was definitely not my favorite book, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

I hope to find a more captivating and enjoyable read in the future.
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