Lois SimmieReseñas

Animal

This was a very engaging narrative true crime novel about a man who was just a really terrible husband x 2, but more importantly about the strength of his dead wife's sister, who never rested until she found out what had happened and saw John brought to justice. Also just a really interesting study of Saskatchewan in the early 1900s, the development of the RCMP, Spanish Flu, tuberculosis... all of it. But honestly, John Wilson was just such a drip.

In principle I like a cat in a bookstore or hotel... but unfortunately I'm allergic, and am thus turned off by books like this. ?áThe cat was allowed to ride on the clean linen in the housekeeping cart, ferpeetsake... and no, I can't just choose not to stay at a place that has a cat, because they never think to warn you when you're planning your visit.

Other than that, it was a cute enough story. ?áI myself thought the pix a little odd, and the text is too long for toddlers, but it's recommendable I suppose.½

Originally published in Canada as Mister Got to Go: The Cat That Wouldn't Leave, this adorable picture-book features one of the most winsome feline heroes it has been my pleasure to meet in some time! When Mr. Foster, the somewhat gruff manager of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver, discovers a wet cat on his windowsill, he lets the poor creature in, but insists that, when the weather clears up, he's got to go. Mister Got to Go knows better of course - he's decided he's had enough of being a stray - and so do the staff. It just takes Mr. Foster a while to discover that this new resident is here to stay...

Apparently based upon a true story - the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver does indeed have a resident cat! - No Cats Allowed reminded me of other tales of hotel animals, from Catie Copley to John Philip Duck. As a confirmed cat-lover, I knew which way the wind was blowing, and was just waiting to see how our feline hero managed to get his way. The delightful story is accompanied by appealing watercolor artwork that accentuates the fun and humor of various scenes - the battle between Mr. Got to Go and the racoon! Haha! - making this an all around winner!

A sequel to the excellent "Mister Got to Go" was called for, but this doesn't make the grade. GtG spends too much time sulking in the shadow of the rage-inducing yappy dog, and the anecdotal structure (this has the feel of a personal scrapbook) is exasperating where it was entertaining the first time around. Art is every bit as lush as before.

If you live in, or stayed in, Vancouver, you'll sympathise with the cat who came in from the rain. Stylish art and a yarny tale make this a great book for a rainy evening, i.e. any evening in the city where it's set.½