Review: Charming
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 11, 2013
This charming little story about a fat, rough-talking cat and his terribly sweet side-kick is as funny as it is unlikely, and it is very unlikely.  Though written for children, like the best children's fiction it has a deeper theme for adults to enjoy and, in this case, ponder on. The unlikely parts are the idea that a cat could actually get himself from England to Barcelona and back with an illegal immigrant in tow, and that another cat could write by holding a piece of chalk in his mouth. The aspect to ponder on is the effects the events of the cats' past nine lives have on the present. People and cats Ginger has known from previous lives surround him and he works out who they all are from his dreams. He may look like a fat Tom, but he's smart.This is an entertaining and enjoyable little story, with a great plot and endearing well-drawn characters. Anyone with a love of cats and knowledge of their ways will find gems here, for example, the look on a cat's face when he's doing his business is described as 'staring off into space as if it has nothing to do with him.'  Sound familiar?The only problem I saw with the book was that the prose had a few too many passive constructions,  but it’s a delightful read anyway.I received a copy free from the author in exchange for an honest review.