THOMASINA: The Enchanted Cat

by Paul Gallico ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 5, 1957

This is an odd blend of story and fantasy. One recognizes the Gallico of The Snow Goose and of The Small Miracle in the intense glow of faith, in the deep rooted belief in the closeness of the link between some humans and the animal kingdom, in the compassionate understanding of children. For the children in this tale are the most successful:- red-headed seven year old Mary Ruadh, whose heart was entwined about her cat, Thomasina; Georgie McNabb, to whom an adult's ""I'll think about it"" meant forgotten-so Georgie dared to take his grief to the ""Red Witch""; Hughie Stirling who interpreted ""Maybe"" as ""Yes""; and Jamie Braid who wasn't sure. Mr. MacDhui, veterinarian, is too violent a man to touch one deeply, and Lori, the ""Red Witch"", was too otherworldly for complete credence, but the minister, the Reverend Mr. Peddie, was the ideal bridge from one to the other, and believed so unreservedly in the power of God that he was sure Lori could win. But the central figure is Thomasina, injured, chloroformed, and thrown out for dead; buried with great ceremony by the children; mourned to the point of death by his desolate little mistress- and returned, driven by that strange instinct of home going that dominates some creatures. The miracle is nonetheless for the rationalization supplied -- and the aura that remains is one of mystery and faith.

Pub Date: Dec. 5, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1957

Categories: FICTION