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Thomasina The Cat Who Thought She was a God

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"Thomasina The Cat Who Thought She was a God" by Paul Gallico is a charming and heartwarming tale that revolves around the journey of a small town Scottish veterinarian and widower named Andrew MacDhui. The story follows the redemption of MacDhui as he reconnects with life, his daughter, and his faith, with the help of his daughter Mary Ruadh and a cat named Thomasina. The plot delves into themes of love, loss, faith, and the special bond between humans and animals, all narrated with a touch of humor and deep introspection.

While marketed as a children's book about a cat, "Thomasina" is more of a human story that explores the complexities of relationships, emotions, and the importance of faith in one's life. Through the characters of Mary, Andrew, and Thomasina, the book delves into deeper themes of redemption, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, ultimately emphasizing the message that there is more to life than what meets the eye.

Characters:

Characters are rich and multifaceted, with the protagonist being the father, whose journey impacts all other characters.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its lyrical quality, depth of emotion, and a blend of humor with seriousness.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot examines complex parental relationships and personal redemption, revolving around the connection between humans and their pets.

Setting:

The setting is a quaint Scottish village, enhancing the story's exploration of community dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing balances between quick narrative progress and reflective character development.

Notes:

Thomasina is marketed as a children's book but it also appeals to adults seeking themes of faith and emotional connection.
The main characters include Mary, a girl deeply attached to her cat Thomasina, and her father Andrew MacDhui, a veterinarian emotionally closed off after his wife's death.
Andrew decides to euthanize Thomasina without considering Mary's feelings, causing a conflict between them.
Lori, the village witch, represents a caring approach to animals, contrasting with Andrew's dismissive attitude.
Thomasina is reborn as a cat goddess named Bast, believing she has a divine nature.
Andrew starts to reflect on his beliefs in science versus the emotional connections people have with their pets.
The story focuses more on Andrew's redemption and reconnection with life than on the cat or Mary.
The book offers deeper insights into Andrew's character and inner thoughts than the film adaptation.
The narrative includes themes of emotional healing and faith, rather than being strictly a children's tale.
Paul Gallico, the author, is known for writing other popular works, including 'Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris' and 'The Poseidon Adventure'.
The Disney movie adaptation captures the story well but lacks the depth present in the book.
The book is described as charming and well-written, suitable for readers of all ages, though not necessarily for young children.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of grief, loss of a pet, and emotional distress that may warrant a medium level content warning.

From The Publisher:

By the author of the classic The Snow Goose, a heartbreaking story about a young girl and her most unusual cat, who has magical powers that save her owner's life.

Seven-year-old Mary adores her ginger cat, Thomasina, and is crushed when Thomasina falls sick, and Mary's father, a grim, inflexible man who is the town vet, decrees that the only thing to be done is to put Thomasina down. Mary refuses to speak to her father, and then she herself contracts a life-threatening disease. In the meantime, however, Thomasina has been rescued-by the mysterious Lori, the Red Witch of the glen. Thomasina is now Tabitha, the descendant of an Egyptian goddess, and she is coming back to seek revenge!

Thomasina, like Jenny of The Abandoned , Gallico's other great feline heroine (Jenny is Thomasina's great-aunt), tells her own story in her own way, witty, charming, divine, and sometimes as sharp as an unsheathed claw. Thomasina is a cat for the ages. Thomasina is a sheer delight.

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