Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
30(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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A beautiful story about a long journey of a cat to find its owner during World War II. Of course, this story is more impactful for cat lovers and those who are familiar with the personality of cats.

Along the margin of this journey, stories are told that almost all have an anti-war space.

The cat, with its innocent eyes and unwavering determination, embarks on a perilous adventure. It faces many challenges and difficulties, but it never gives up.

As it travels through different places, it witnesses the destruction and chaos of war. However, it also discovers moments of kindness and compassion among the people it meets.

This story not only touches our hearts but also makes us think about the importance of peace and the value of life. It shows that even in the midst of war, there is still hope and love.

July 14,2025
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I just love it <3.

It's a feeling that words can hardly describe.

Every time I think about it, my heart fills with joy and excitement.

It could be a person, a place, a thing, or an experience.

Whatever it is, it has a special place in my heart.

I cherish every moment I have with it.

I look forward to the next time I can be with it again.

It makes my life more colorful and meaningful.

I will always love it, no matter what.

Because it is a part of me, and I can't imagine my life without it.

July 14,2025
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I really don't know why it took me such a long time to get around to reading this book.

But now, I truly wish that I had done it much sooner.

This is a classic children's story set in wartime England.

It tells the tale of a small black cat and the numerous lives she impacts on her arduous journey to find her owner.

Although I initially mentioned that this is a children's story, it is actually one of those remarkable books that should be read by everyone.

At certain moments, it even brought a tear to my eye.

I simply loved it with all my heart.

The story is not only engaging but also has a profound message that can touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

It makes us realize the importance of love, loyalty, and perseverance in difficult times.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and unforgettable read.
July 14,2025
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Imagine a scenario where we set the story of "Lassie Come Home" or "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" in England during World War II. Now, picture a cat with an extraordinary homing instinct, something the author calls Psi-trailing. This is the foundation of this novel. A female black cat named Lord Gort, after being evacuated to the countryside due to German air raids, uses her remarkable tracking skills to find her "home" and her "human".

Along her journey, Lord Gort makes new friends and has numerous adventures. She becomes a "good luck" charm for her new companions. With her superior hearing and sense of smell, she is able to warn others of potential dangers.

It is a wonderful combination to have the perspective shift between the cat, Lord Gort, and the many humans she befriends during her travels. I adored the positive impact Gort has on many of the humans. Can you imagine a black cat being considered "good luck"? It adds an interesting and unique element to the story.

Overall, this novel offers an engaging and heartwarming tale of a cat's journey during a time of war, filled with friendship, adventure, and the power of a special connection.
July 14,2025
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I am by no means a devotee of historical fiction. However, having said that, I found myself completely enamored with this book.

Lord Gort is truly an extraordinary cat. On her arduous journey to locate her master, she manages to touch the lives of every single individual she encounters. She is not some fictional feline living a charmed life. Instead, she is a normal cat, facing the typical hardships that any cat on the move might experience.

Her story is filled with numerous adventures and countless special moments that will surely capture the hearts of readers. This book is not just for a specific age group. It is an excellent read for humans of all ages, capable of transporting them into a world filled with charm, excitement, and heartwarming tales.

Whether you are a child or an adult, you are bound to fall in love with Lord Gort and her remarkable journey.
July 14,2025
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This book has truly opened my eyes and taught me a profound lesson.

It has made me realize that cats lead more interesting lives than I do.

Cats seem to have a world of their own, filled with curiosity and adventure.

They explore every nook and cranny of their environment, always finding something new and exciting.

Whether it's chasing a ball of yarn or pouncing on a bug, they approach life with a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm that I often lack.

They don't worry about the future or dwell on the past; they simply live in the moment and enjoy every second.

This book has inspired me to try and adopt some of the cat's carefree attitude towards life and to look for the little joys and adventures that are all around me.

Maybe then, I too can lead a more interesting and fulfilling life.
July 14,2025
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I read this way back in 1995. It was probably one of my favourite childhood books and without a doubt my favourite Robert Westal story.

Just like many of Westal’s stories, it is set in wartime Britain. The book's main protagonist is a cat named Lord Gort. During her prolonged travels, she meets a plethora of different characters.

Lord Gort's adventures take her through various landscapes and situations, each one adding to the rich tapestry of the story. The war-torn backdrop provides a sense of danger and uncertainty, making Lord Gort's journey all the more exciting.

Westal's vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the story. The relationships that Lord Gort forms with the other characters add depth and emotion to the narrative.

This book is not only a charming tale about a cat's adventures but also a reflection on the human experience during wartime. It shows how even in the midst of chaos and destruction, there can still be moments of kindness, friendship, and hope.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to anyone, especially those who enjoy stories set in historical periods or about animals. It is a timeless classic that will continue to be loved by generations to come.
July 14,2025
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A Beautiful Story of the Great Loyalty of Animals



Animals have an innate sense of loyalty that often leaves us in awe. There are countless tales that showcase their unwavering dedication and love. One such story is truly remarkable.

It is about a dog named Max. Max's owner, John, was a kind-hearted man who had rescued Max from a difficult situation. From that moment on, Max became John's constant companion.



One day, while they were out for a walk in the park, a fierce storm suddenly blew in. The wind was howling, and the rain was pouring down. John lost his footing and fell into a deep ditch. Max, without hesitation, jumped in after him.



Max used his strong jaws to grip John's clothing and tried to pull him out. The water was rising rapidly, and the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous. But Max refused to give up. He continued to struggle and tug until, finally, he managed to pull John to safety.



This beautiful story of Max's loyalty and courage is a testament to the special bond that exists between animals and humans. It reminds us that animals are not just pets, but also true friends who will always be there for us in times of need.

July 14,2025
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Excellent!

This is a haunting portrait of the early days of the war in the British countryside near the southern coast.

Here, the RAF valiantly battled Nazi bombers, while everyday people endured the horrors of the Blitz.

The story delves into adult themes such as sex, infidelity, and PTSD.

It is not a book suitable for older kids or teens.

Readers will be drawn into the complex lives of the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows, as they navigate the chaos and destruction of war.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot make this a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or the impact of war on society.

Prepare to be captivated by this powerful and thought-provoking novel.
July 14,2025
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Read for History Book Club.

The concept of employing a cat as a literary device to advance the plot and narrate a diverse range of stories holds some value. However, this particular work now feels extremely outdated, having been published in 1989. The use of language like the term 'negro' makes me cringe. Perhaps it was an attempt to use the language of that era, but it still has a jarring effect. The story just seemed too meandering and a bit indistinct. The ending was not overly satisfying. I could have easily given up on this if I weren't so obstinate. I actually finished a couple of other books in between taking breaks from this one. It also gave the impression that it couldn't determine whether it was a children's book or an adult book. I don't recall any of the human characters' names. It was just, well, mediocre.

Content warning: There is some unexpected content for a book that won a children's book award, including sex and bad language. While it didn't greatly offend me as an adult, I would be cautious about allowing anyone 11 and under to read it.

This book had its moments, but overall, it failed to truly engage and satisfy me. It may have been relevant in its time, but now it feels like a relic of the past.

I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others, especially considering the content and the lackluster storyline.

Maybe it's best left on the shelves of history.
July 14,2025
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A beautiful and tragic story unfolds about a black cat who was regarded as a bringer of good luck during the times of World War 2.

This cat is far from ordinary. She experiences a plethora of things. One gets to see the world through her eyes during the chaos of World War 2. She visits numerous towns, has many owners and people who take care of her along the way. She endures the terrors of bombs, raids, gun shells, temporary blindness, and deafness. She becomes a mother, saves people, places, and other animals, hunts, and is an amazing and seemingly magical cat. She bestows good luck upon all those who encounter her.

This story has the power to make you view your own cat in a different perspective. It brought me a profound appreciation for the feline species and a bird's-eye view into their lives, revealing how they might think and feel.

This is a truly unique storyline, set within a unique time frame. I simply couldn't get enough of this little gem. It is a wonderful book that captivates the reader from start to finish.
July 14,2025
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Lord Gort is a charming cat.

Unfortunately, she gets separated from her beloved person. Determined to find him, she embarks on a remarkable journey.

During this adventure, she encounters a diverse range of people in various situations.

Against this interesting backdrop, we are presented with a collection of short stories.

All of these stories are connected by the cat, and they vividly reveal many aspects of war time Britain.

Westall has done an excellent job of researching the events. He describes actual war time happenings, like the bombing of Coventry, with great accuracy.

This enables him to create a novel that effortlessly transports the reader into a bygone era.

Overall, this is a very good piece of writing. It is rich in historical detail, making it a captivating and informative read.

Readers will surely be drawn into the world of Lord Gort and the fascinating stories that unfold.

It offers a unique perspective on war time Britain and is a testament to Westall's writing skills.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply enjoy a good story, this novel is well worth reading.

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