The Go-between by Joyce Stranger

by Joyce Stranger

Life for Louise Barton since she lost her husband has been difficult and painful. Living alone in an isolated cottage with neighbours she rarely sees, she longs for a new interest. Driving home one day, she finds an injured half-grown cat on the road. His determination and courage appeal to her, and though she knows nothing about cats, she decides to keep him, naming him Flyer.Through Flyer Louise is introduced to new friends and a new way of life. He also reveals a unique character, as he loves exploring and also loves people. His empathy brings the little community together in ways that nobody - least of all Louise - could have expected.

Genres: Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Psuedonym of Joyce Muriel Wilson (1921–2007). Lived in Anglesey, Wales.
Trained as a biologist, specialising in animal behaviour, and tried her hand at dog training too. Not surprisingly, animal themes, especially relationships between human and animal feature in all of her books. She thought that the human-animal/human-nature relationship was extremely important and that a co-existence between the two could improve quality of life. She said "for many people an animal can provide a harmony lacking in day-to-day relationships with people."
Her books are not very anthropomorphic, deliberately so. She thought that many animal books, especially childrens were inaccurate or sentimental or humanised the animal and wanted her stories instead to "show how animals live in a world that is real to them"
They are definitely not sentimental either, many are quite downbeat. Disasters often strike her fictional worlds and her characters are often unhappy, guilt-stricken or remorseful. However they usually end on a more upbeat and optimistic note.
Ms. Stranger was one of the few authors to write horse stories aimed at adults. Most of her pony books are either adult or teenage stories.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Flyer, half-Siamese, half barn cat. From the beginning, he is a remarkable cat. He captures the imagination and the hearts of all the people that he meets. And through meeting these people, he helps bring these people together.

Cheesy? Absolutely! But it was pleasant. It's a great story for a cold night, warm blanket, and a hot drink. The majority of the characters have suffered personal tragedies and are trying to heal. They need each other and it takes a little cat for them to realize it.

It was a short read, but very enjoyable. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a light, pleasant read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book that truly heartfelt. I loved the way the characters were all brought together & intertwined. It was easy to understand their connections. The way that Flyer the cat was also a major character with his own voice was amazingly done to perfection.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was going to be a tear-jerker. It's the story of Flyer, and Siamese kitten and the lives he touches. Everyone whose life he touches has had some kind of tragedy, but knowing the scrappy little cat makes their lives better.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story of a cat who has two families.

[Donna Burson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love cats and this is a sweet story about a lost/found cat and all the lives he touches. I wish I had found him!

[Jennifer Custer]

This is one of the most beautifully written stories that I have read in a long time. Very heartwarming & bittersweet. Had me in tears.