My Interest

Reading the Meow, hosted by blogger Literary Potpourri, has come to an end. However, I was a bit too ambitious with my book picks this year, which led to this late review. I actually discovered this book a few years ago in a thrift store. The combination of World War II and a cat immediately caught my attention. I'm not sure why I waited so long to read it!

The Story

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The real Lord Gort was the commander of the British Expeditionary Force that had to retreat and flee on small boats from Dunkirk. "Lord Gort" in the story is a female black cat who lives through what is now known as The Blitz - the period in 1940 and 1941 when Britain stood alone against the Nazis in World War II. During this time, the bombing of London and other parts of the UK was unrelenting. The US was still technically neutral, but the Lend Lease program provided some limited assistance to Churchill and the British people. Back to the cat, when her owner, an RAF officer, is called away to war, Lord Gort sets out to find him. Along the way, she witnesses the defense of the country and, in her own unique way (no spoilers!), even participates in the efforts with the RAF.

My Thoughts

This novel was published in 1989 as a middle grades book. Given the limited amount of history taught today, I wonder if children can truly understand the urgency of that era. The author clearly has a deep knowledge and understanding of cats, as Lord Gort feels very real. I loved seeing how she managed to survive. The ending is both poignant and not overly sentimental. This is definitely a book for cat lovers.

US vs UK Cultural Difference: Black Cats

I found it fascinating that in this story, a black cat was considered good luck by everyone. This is a significant cultural difference, as black cats are still seen as bad luck by many in the US. I've had several black cats in my life, and the most recent one had a name almost as strange as Lord Gort's - Candy Cane! (One of the kids named her, but I can't remember why.) She passed away a year ago at the age of 15+.

While reading this story, I became quite emotional as my Mom's cat, Biz, has been missing for nearly a month. (Someone online told me their cat in our neighborhood returned home two months after going missing!) Seeing what Lord Gort endured and how her strong intuition kept her safe, I truly hope the same is true for our beloved Biz.

My Verdict

4.0

Blitzcat by Robert Westall

I read a paperback copy of this book.

Aimed specifically at teens, this book offers an engaging and enjoyable read that can be relished by all. It holds a particular allure for those who are fans of wartime England. The story is set in a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, when the nation was at war. It follows the lives of a group of teenagers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come their way. Through their experiences, readers are transported back to a bygone era, filled with excitement, danger, and romance. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make it easy to become immersed in the story and feel as if you are a part of it. Whether you are a teen looking for an exciting adventure or an adult with a love for history, this book is sure to captivate you.

I was introduced to this book as a (not-so-young) adult, and I'm extremely glad that I've finally read it.

From the very beginning, it had me engaged with its witty and charming narrative. There were countless moments that elicited lots of laughs from me, as the author's sense of humor is truly on point.

But it wasn't just the laughter; there were also sighs of empathy and gasps of surprise. The story had me on the edge of my seat at times.

And then there was the sassy puss, which added an extra layer of charm and entertainment. I found myself getting quite attached to this little character, and there were even a wee tear or two shed for it.

This book is truly such a great read. It has something for everyone - humor, drama, and a touch of heart. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and engaging book to lose themselves in.

A captivating emotional novel unfolds, featuring a black cat. In the English tradition, black cats are believed to bring luck, contrary to the Italian belief. This particular black cat embarks on a remarkable journey through England during the midst of World War II. She is in search of her former "person" (or "master," if one can say a cat has a master!).

As she meanders through the war-torn country, she brings help and hope to all those she encounters. Her acts of kindness even extend to the aircraft of bombers. She follows the pilots not only in England but also in France and Portugal.

Finally, the story reaches a heartwarming conclusion as the black cat finds herself on the lap of her beloved person. There, she not only consoles but also instructs, perhaps teaching valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the power of hope in the darkest of times.

Voglio una storia a parte su il sergente Smith e la signora Smiley!

Once upon a time, there was a brave sergeant named Smith. He served in the army with great dedication and honor. One day, while on a mission, he happened to meet a kind and beautiful lady named Smiley.

Their encounter was like a spark that ignited a flame of curiosity and interest. Sergeant Smith was immediately drawn to the charm and grace of Mrs. Smiley. She, on the other hand, was impressed by the sergeant's courage and determination.

As time passed, their relationship grew stronger. They would often meet in secret, sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Their love for each other was like a gentle breeze that blew through their hearts, bringing warmth and happiness.

However, their love was not without challenges. The sergeant's duties often took him away for long periods, and Mrs. Smiley had to endure the loneliness and worry. But through it all, their love remained unwavering.

In the end, their love prevailed. Sergeant Smith and Mrs. Smiley got married and lived happily ever after. Their story became a legend, inspiring others to believe in the power of love and perseverance.

This is a very good World War II novel that is not only suitable for teens but also highly readable for adults, especially those who have a penchant for cats.

The story is set against the backdrop of the war, vividly描绘ing the hardships and challenges faced by the characters. It offers a unique perspective on the conflict, showing how ordinary people coped with the chaos and destruction.

What makes this novel particularly engaging is its well-developed characters. The teens in the story are relatable and their growth and transformation throughout the war are both inspiring and heartwarming.

For adults, the novel may evoke a sense of nostalgia or a deeper understanding of the war. And for those who love cats, there are some charming feline characters that add an extra layer of warmth and charm to the story.

Overall, this is a must-read novel that combines history, adventure, and heart in a way that will appeal to readers of all ages.

This extraordinary book takes us on a captivating journey. It vividly depicts the adventures of a she cat as she endeavors to find her master in war-torn Britain during the early days of World War II.

As we follow her path, we are granted precious glimpses into the daily lives of the British people. There is the RAF pilot's wife, patiently waiting and hoping for her husband's safe return. An elderly kind man offers the cat a moment of warmth and kindness. A soldier and his landlady form an unlikely bond in the midst of chaos. The bomber crews bravely face the perils of the sky, while a war widow mourns the loss of her loved one.

The time I dedicated to reading this book was truly time well spent. It not only entertained but also provided a profound understanding of the human experience during a tumultuous period in history. It is a book that will stay with me, leaving a lasting impression.

A cat as a main character with a World War II setting. It doesn't get much better than this. Loved this book.

The story follows a brave and curious cat during the turmoil of World War II. This feline protagonist witnesses the destruction and chaos that war brings, yet manages to find moments of hope and warmth.

The cat's perspective adds a unique and charming element to the narrative. We see the war-torn world through its eyes, experiencing the fear, the excitement, and the unexpected friendships that form.

The author does an excellent job of bringing the cat to life, making us care deeply about its fate. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the cat's adventures and root for it every step of the way.

This book is not only a great read for cat lovers but also for anyone interested in history and stories of survival. It offers a fresh and engaging take on a well-known period in history, and I highly recommend it.

Some of the books for children have been taking up space in this house for no good reason.

However, this particular book is an exception. It is not just a random book sitting on the shelf gathering dust.

This book has the power to transport children into different worlds,激发 their imagination, and teach them valuable lessons.

It might be a beautifully illustrated storybook that tells a heartwarming tale, or an educational book that makes learning fun and engaging.

Whatever the case may be, this book is a treasure that should not be overlooked.

It has the potential to have a positive impact on a child's life and provide them with hours of entertainment and learning.

So, while some books may seem unnecessary, this one definitely is not.

It is a keeper that should be cherished and passed on to future generations.

I rarely bother with 'children's books'.

However, this particular one caught my eye.

Despite being a very easy read, it turned out to be a surprisingly good one.

Blitzcat progresses through the narrative like an amoral compass.

The war may be raging, but she is a Cat and above such matters.

She bestows luck, whether imagined or real, on those she lives with.

Yet, she has her own goal, completely separate from puny humans.

I truly enjoyed it.

I plan to lend it to my Mom (yes, some English people do refer to their mothers as 'Mom'. It depends on where you live).

There is hardly any higher praise than that.

This book has managed to capture my attention and interest, which is quite a feat considering my initial stance towards children's books.

It has a unique charm and a story that engages the reader from start to finish.

I believe my Mom will also enjoy it as much as I did.

A very sweet book is like a precious gem that can bring joy and warmth to our hearts. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to wonderful characters, and make us experience a wide range of emotions. Whether it's a heartwarming romance, an exciting adventure, or a touching story of friendship, a sweet book has the ability to touch our souls and leave a lasting impression.

When we open the pages of a sweet book, we are immediately drawn into its captivating narrative. The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures in our minds and making us feel as if we are right there in the story. We laugh with the characters, cry with them, and cheer them on as they face their challenges and overcome their obstacles.

A sweet book is not just a source of entertainment; it is also a source of inspiration. It can teach us valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship, and encourage us to be better people. It can make us believe in the power of kindness, forgiveness, and hope, and give us the strength to pursue our dreams.

This was okay, but there was really nothing special about it. That's precisely the reason why it took me such a long time to read.

I firmly believe that I would have found this story rather boring even when I was a child. The narrative lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow and engage with.

The characters who encounter the cat were extremely flat, lacking any depth or individuality. They seemed more like cardboard cutouts than real, fleshed-out characters.

Moreover, there was a distinct lack of children in the story, which is quite odd considering it is supposed to be a children's novel. One would expect the main characters or at least a significant portion of the cast to be children, but that was not the case here.

Overall, this book failed to capture my interest and left me feeling rather disappointed.