“The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” is the 3rd book of a trilogy. I have read all 3 books, recently finishing the last one.
“The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” should not be read alone. I strongly recommend reading book 1, “The Cat Who Went to Paris”, and book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, before. At least, book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, should be read before. I have reviewed all 3 books of the trilogy and would ask the reader who has not yet read books 1 and 2 to read my reviews of these books.
I must admit that I did not like the beginning of “The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” too much. Here the author sidetracks and is ranting about this and that. Therefore, only 4 stars. Once I got past the beginning (first 30 pages or so), I loved the book. By now, the author is more mature, and the cat’s health is declining. First it is kidney failure Norton is battling with, then it is cancer. There is nothing, really nothing the author would not do to prolong his beloved cat’s life, provided this life would still be worth living. The author consults quite a number of veterinarians, some great, some not-so-great, and two despicable. Not only do we learn interesting medical facts, we also learn highly interesting details about holistic treatment of kidney failure and cancer. (These details alone are worth to buy and read the book.) And throughout the book, the author reflects on life and death in a philosophical manner, which also makes this book a worthwhile read.
In case you may shy away from reading the book because it is so sad that this wonderful creature, Norton, ends up dying (as, unfortunately, all animals and humans eventually do), let me put you at ease and tell you that his death is a gentle death, the kind of death any animal and human can only wish for.