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The Cats of Savone
“Most novels begin their lives as short stories. Writing, much like any gift, skill, habit, or hope, is strengthened through practice, training, and exercise. The short story is the stretching and dedication to a running regime long before the marathon. It is the repetition of scales on the piano, years before the recital.” – David-Michael Harding
The Cats of Savone is an exemplary collection of stories from the pen of historical fiction author David-Michael Harding. Eight short stories and novellas make up his first installment in The Completely Abridged Series – Short Novels for Busy People. The title story is the PEN International Winner, The Cats of Savone , which follows a pregnant cat beneath a mammoth steel gate into the exercise yard of the Savone Correctional Facility. The hardened convicts in the maximum security prison adopt the cat as much as she adopts them. But an accident in the prison leads to murder and a host of tough choices for tough men – inmates and guards.
Black Men in Bright Blue traces the steps of ten-year-old Rachel Justice in 1864 while she explores her father’s plantation in South Carolina. As she learns of slavery beneath the shadow of the Civil War, her secret knowledge of the underground railroad pushes her family and her young mind into decisions none are ready for. Eavesdrop on the captain and crew in Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea as the story follows in the cold wake of the World War I German submarine the U-20, and its deadly encounter with the luxury passenger liner Lusitania in 1917.
The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass sits beside the bed of a of a old soldier, trapper, and patriot who is dying from consumption. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor however as he relates story after story to a young man who cares for him in his last days. Henry lived under most of the six different flags that flew over Texas and weaves wonderful tales for his caretaker whose own agenda is taken up by the old man. Then move from West Texas in the 19th Century to another continent and another time in St. Alden’s where a classic fight between good and evil comes to life on a university campus. An aged Guardian of the campus needs to pass down the secrets of a mysterious silver and the power of goodness to his grandson before night demons put an end to a magical spring and its unique life giving water.
Additional stories provide glimpses into the life of a man who has gone through a lifetime of labels – retarded in the 50’s, handicapped in the 70’s, and now with special needs – Jonny Archer finds himself on an unlikely trip in The Junket. The Jazz Bridge chronicles the history and anniversary of an ordinary bridge in an ordinary town as something extraordinary happens. The collection is rounded out by My Boo Radley and the high school baseball pitcher who learns lessons from an old fan who the world viewed as a monster.
For fans of David-Michael Harding, these shorts and novellas are glimpses into the stories, talent, passion, and personalization his rich characters are layered in. Readers care about the people in a Harding story. You’ll cheer and jeer – laugh and cry, and then VOTE for the one that becomes the next NOVEL!
Read, enjoy, and VOTE at DavidMichaelHarding.com.
The Cats of Savone is an exemplary collection of stories from the pen of historical fiction author David-Michael Harding. Eight short stories and novellas make up his first installment in The Completely Abridged Series – Short Novels for Busy People. The title story is the PEN International Winner, The Cats of Savone , which follows a pregnant cat beneath a mammoth steel gate into the exercise yard of the Savone Correctional Facility. The hardened convicts in the maximum security prison adopt the cat as much as she adopts them. But an accident in the prison leads to murder and a host of tough choices for tough men – inmates and guards.
Black Men in Bright Blue traces the steps of ten-year-old Rachel Justice in 1864 while she explores her father’s plantation in South Carolina. As she learns of slavery beneath the shadow of the Civil War, her secret knowledge of the underground railroad pushes her family and her young mind into decisions none are ready for. Eavesdrop on the captain and crew in Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea as the story follows in the cold wake of the World War I German submarine the U-20, and its deadly encounter with the luxury passenger liner Lusitania in 1917.
The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass sits beside the bed of a of a old soldier, trapper, and patriot who is dying from consumption. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor however as he relates story after story to a young man who cares for him in his last days. Henry lived under most of the six different flags that flew over Texas and weaves wonderful tales for his caretaker whose own agenda is taken up by the old man. Then move from West Texas in the 19th Century to another continent and another time in St. Alden’s where a classic fight between good and evil comes to life on a university campus. An aged Guardian of the campus needs to pass down the secrets of a mysterious silver and the power of goodness to his grandson before night demons put an end to a magical spring and its unique life giving water.
Additional stories provide glimpses into the life of a man who has gone through a lifetime of labels – retarded in the 50’s, handicapped in the 70’s, and now with special needs – Jonny Archer finds himself on an unlikely trip in The Junket. The Jazz Bridge chronicles the history and anniversary of an ordinary bridge in an ordinary town as something extraordinary happens. The collection is rounded out by My Boo Radley and the high school baseball pitcher who learns lessons from an old fan who the world viewed as a monster.
For fans of David-Michael Harding, these shorts and novellas are glimpses into the stories, talent, passion, and personalization his rich characters are layered in. Readers care about the people in a Harding story. You’ll cheer and jeer – laugh and cry, and then VOTE for the one that becomes the next NOVEL!
Read, enjoy, and VOTE at DavidMichaelHarding.com.
- GenresShort Stories
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
2 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
David-Michael Harding
11 books116 followersDavid-Michael Harding is a life-long writer whose novel, How Angels Die, received critical acclaim. A former semi-professional football player, his writing is hard hitting and passionate. He holds a master’s degree in education and is a former adjunct professor of writing. Most of his days are spent writing from the cockpit of his sailboat, Pegasus, somewhere off the Nature Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 26, 2013
The author, David-Michael Harding, definitely has mastered the technique of creating a good story out of straw, you might say. Quoting Harding, ‘Most novels begin their lives as short stories. Writing, much like any gift, skill, habit, or hope, is strengthened through practice, training, and exercise. The short story is the stretching and dedication to a running regime long before the marathon. It is the repetition of scales on the piano, years before the recital.’
“The Cats of Savonne” is the completely abridged’ collection of eight of his short stories and each story had a moral or point to make. Since they spread over a wide range of events and points of view, the reader can decide which he prefers, if he has a preference.
1. The title piece, “The Cats of Savone,” a tale of prison life that was both brutal and stripped the inmates of the slightest sense of self-worth. I felt it was the best story for it showed the brutal, barren life of long-term inmates, whose lives were broadened by the little love they found when invaded by a pregnant female cat who had four kittens. Even the Warden’s life was changed and the insight into the situation and the actions were so realistically portrayed, that it left an emotional impression.
2. “My Boo Radley” was the story of a major league pitcher, forced to stay hidden from the outside world because he carried terrible facial scars and lost an eye. The story tells how he helped a good pitcher, who was still a high school lad, to throw certain curve balls. I did not like this story as much as I felt this high school boy should have overcome his inability to cope with this man’s deformities, which was much of the story. The rest of the story was incidental, although good, but the weakness in this young man left a bad taste in my mouth for in real life, if he had any backbone, he would have overcome it.
3. “Black Men in Bright Blue” described the bravery of Southern women in their risky actions to maintain parts of the Underground Railroad, but also clearly spoke to the terrible punishment a slave could sustain even for a minor offense.
4. ”The Jazz Bridge” was an interesting sketch of people in a small city devoting part of their lives to jazz music, originating through Black musicians.
5. St. Alden's was a science fiction story that probably would appeal to Young Adults as everything about it lay in the area of fantasy
6. “Junket” was a lesson in how a man who has always been told he was inadequate, allowed himself to believe that and through the years when the Government reclassified him and paid him more, he just accepted it, but then one day he decided to follow his dream and meet some women and visit places in Las Vegas for which he has fifteen-year old ads. In his innocence he ran into an older woman who was also now a loser and they fulfill chinks in each other’s live. This is another one I truly enjoyed because of its humanity,
7. “Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea” was a story about the sinking of the Lusitania that illustrated conditions of war that caused reasonable people to follow unreasonable orders, but more so it gave insight into the suffering some of these military men experienced because of this also.
8. The final story was “The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass.” Two very interesting characters opened insight into the history of the Mexican War and its preparation of fighters for the following American Civil War.
This e-book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
“The Cats of Savonne” is the completely abridged’ collection of eight of his short stories and each story had a moral or point to make. Since they spread over a wide range of events and points of view, the reader can decide which he prefers, if he has a preference.
1. The title piece, “The Cats of Savone,” a tale of prison life that was both brutal and stripped the inmates of the slightest sense of self-worth. I felt it was the best story for it showed the brutal, barren life of long-term inmates, whose lives were broadened by the little love they found when invaded by a pregnant female cat who had four kittens. Even the Warden’s life was changed and the insight into the situation and the actions were so realistically portrayed, that it left an emotional impression.
2. “My Boo Radley” was the story of a major league pitcher, forced to stay hidden from the outside world because he carried terrible facial scars and lost an eye. The story tells how he helped a good pitcher, who was still a high school lad, to throw certain curve balls. I did not like this story as much as I felt this high school boy should have overcome his inability to cope with this man’s deformities, which was much of the story. The rest of the story was incidental, although good, but the weakness in this young man left a bad taste in my mouth for in real life, if he had any backbone, he would have overcome it.
3. “Black Men in Bright Blue” described the bravery of Southern women in their risky actions to maintain parts of the Underground Railroad, but also clearly spoke to the terrible punishment a slave could sustain even for a minor offense.
4. ”The Jazz Bridge” was an interesting sketch of people in a small city devoting part of their lives to jazz music, originating through Black musicians.
5. St. Alden's was a science fiction story that probably would appeal to Young Adults as everything about it lay in the area of fantasy
6. “Junket” was a lesson in how a man who has always been told he was inadequate, allowed himself to believe that and through the years when the Government reclassified him and paid him more, he just accepted it, but then one day he decided to follow his dream and meet some women and visit places in Las Vegas for which he has fifteen-year old ads. In his innocence he ran into an older woman who was also now a loser and they fulfill chinks in each other’s live. This is another one I truly enjoyed because of its humanity,
7. “Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea” was a story about the sinking of the Lusitania that illustrated conditions of war that caused reasonable people to follow unreasonable orders, but more so it gave insight into the suffering some of these military men experienced because of this also.
8. The final story was “The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass.” Two very interesting characters opened insight into the history of the Mexican War and its preparation of fighters for the following American Civil War.
This e-book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
March 28, 2014
The Cats of Savone is a compilation of eight extremely moving short stories. Each one is unique with its own message of strength and compassion; and one has hint of the supernatural. I enjoyed each story and couldn’t wait to start the next one.
Cats of Savone tells the story of how a cat can bring hope and humanity to a group of inmates who are lost in the brutality of prison life. It is so very true how an animal, whether it is a cat or a dog, can soften a person’s heart. Gretchen, the prison’s cat, becomes an integral part of prison life. The loyalty and love she receives from her inmates is quite touching.
Black Men in Bright Blue takes place during the Civil War where aiding runaway slaves can bring grave consequences. Rachel Justice, a ten-year little girl, who happens to be the daughter of a plantation and slave owner, is confronted with the inhumaneness of slavery. She digs deep and finds a very brave heart within her little body. She figures out, with the help of her mother, what is right and what is wrong. This story is a very powerful depiction of life on a plantation and one little girl’s coming to terms with it.
Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea is a sad story about decisions; one captain’s bad decision that started a war with the United States. This is a good depiction that just following orders has serious ramifications and can haunt you forever.
The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass is one of my favorite stories. I really enjoyed reading about his life and adventures in West Texas. Henry is a true Texian and proud of it. I, also, appreciated Henry’s need to pass on his life lessons to a younger generation. Whit truly valued Henry’s life and benefited from his brief friendship with Henry. Even though theirs was a very short friendship, it still had lasting effects.
St. Alden’s is my other favorite story of this collection. I love the supernatural and this story had a touch of it. It is full of good versus evil; light versus darkness. It is also about acceptance and forgiveness; and one young couple taking up a magical mantle that is very hard to believe and accept. This story is full of mysticism with a great all-out fight between the powers of good and evil. It will keep you riveted.
The Junket is a nice little story about a mentally challenged man looking for “painted ladies” in Vegas. At its heart, it’s a tale of loneliness and acceptance with two very unlikely people finding each other. Their desperation to overcome isolation and rejection, they find a connection that you grow to companionship.
My Boo Radley is an interesting little baseball which reminded me a little bit of The Sandlot. I love sports stories that promote the love for the game. However, this story is quite sad that is full of regret. The E-man is viewed as a monster due to a tragic accident. But he loves baseball and he teaches a young baseball player how to throw a screw ball. The young man feels tremendous guilt over not doing more for the E-Man when he gave him so much. Life is full of rejection and regret which is the core of this story.
The Jazz Bridge wasn’t my favorite story and that’s why I’m talking about it last. I really don’t have a lot to say about it. It didn’t really touch me that way the other stories did.
Overall, The Cats of Savone is a wonderful book of stories. Each one is so different and you want to read more from each one.
Cats of Savone tells the story of how a cat can bring hope and humanity to a group of inmates who are lost in the brutality of prison life. It is so very true how an animal, whether it is a cat or a dog, can soften a person’s heart. Gretchen, the prison’s cat, becomes an integral part of prison life. The loyalty and love she receives from her inmates is quite touching.
Black Men in Bright Blue takes place during the Civil War where aiding runaway slaves can bring grave consequences. Rachel Justice, a ten-year little girl, who happens to be the daughter of a plantation and slave owner, is confronted with the inhumaneness of slavery. She digs deep and finds a very brave heart within her little body. She figures out, with the help of her mother, what is right and what is wrong. This story is a very powerful depiction of life on a plantation and one little girl’s coming to terms with it.
Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea is a sad story about decisions; one captain’s bad decision that started a war with the United States. This is a good depiction that just following orders has serious ramifications and can haunt you forever.
The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass is one of my favorite stories. I really enjoyed reading about his life and adventures in West Texas. Henry is a true Texian and proud of it. I, also, appreciated Henry’s need to pass on his life lessons to a younger generation. Whit truly valued Henry’s life and benefited from his brief friendship with Henry. Even though theirs was a very short friendship, it still had lasting effects.
St. Alden’s is my other favorite story of this collection. I love the supernatural and this story had a touch of it. It is full of good versus evil; light versus darkness. It is also about acceptance and forgiveness; and one young couple taking up a magical mantle that is very hard to believe and accept. This story is full of mysticism with a great all-out fight between the powers of good and evil. It will keep you riveted.
The Junket is a nice little story about a mentally challenged man looking for “painted ladies” in Vegas. At its heart, it’s a tale of loneliness and acceptance with two very unlikely people finding each other. Their desperation to overcome isolation and rejection, they find a connection that you grow to companionship.
My Boo Radley is an interesting little baseball which reminded me a little bit of The Sandlot. I love sports stories that promote the love for the game. However, this story is quite sad that is full of regret. The E-man is viewed as a monster due to a tragic accident. But he loves baseball and he teaches a young baseball player how to throw a screw ball. The young man feels tremendous guilt over not doing more for the E-Man when he gave him so much. Life is full of rejection and regret which is the core of this story.
The Jazz Bridge wasn’t my favorite story and that’s why I’m talking about it last. I really don’t have a lot to say about it. It didn’t really touch me that way the other stories did.
Overall, The Cats of Savone is a wonderful book of stories. Each one is so different and you want to read more from each one.
January 3, 2014
I reviewed this book for www.luxuryreading.com.
In general I don’t read a lot of short story collections. I tend to gravitate towards long, gripping sagas and involved series that take their time with character and plot development. However I was excited by the prospect of reading David-Michael Harding’s The Cats of Savone: 8 Short Novels for Busy People. I’ve enjoyed Mr. Harding’s full length novels and was intrigued when I read that readers could go to Mr. Harding’s website and vote for which short story they wanted to be made into a full length novel. What a great opportunity, to get a taste of a compelling story and influence, even in a small way, the author in expanding it. I was in!
The Cats of Savone is a collection that does not fit neatly into any categories. The eight stories are a mix of so many things: historical fiction, contemporary fiction, western, coming-of age, even the paranormal fantasy genre is covered. There is a story to capture the attention of just about any reader regardless of their tastes. Each story is surprisingly well developed given the short length and each and every story has touching characters that are hard not to absorb into your heart.
For my part, being a huge fan of historical fiction, my favorite stories were Black Men in Bright Blue and Forever Beneath the Celtic. In Black Men in Bright Blue the Civil War is seen through the eyes of an intelligent, precocious and exceedingly tender hearted young Southern girl caught between what is expected of a rich young white girl of her station at this time and what she sees as the strange and brutal treatment of the slaves living on her father’s plantation. Our young heroine, Rachel, is a remarkable character and is able to follow what her heart tells her is right with bravery far above what you would expect for someone her age. It is truly heartbreaking and I would love to see this made into a full length novel. Forever Beneath the Celtic follows the crew of German submarine U-20 as they traverse the ocean depths and follow out their orders to sink enemy ships. But when the captain orders they sink the civilian passenger liner Lusitania the men will have their own internal battles between what they know to be their duty and what they can justify as necessary casualties of war.
These two stories are just the tip of the iceberg of what is offered in The Cats of Savone and I encourage readers to pick it up and see what else is on offer. I am so excited to see what story gets the most votes and is selected as the next full length novel from Mr. Harding. Any of them would make an excellent choice!
In general I don’t read a lot of short story collections. I tend to gravitate towards long, gripping sagas and involved series that take their time with character and plot development. However I was excited by the prospect of reading David-Michael Harding’s The Cats of Savone: 8 Short Novels for Busy People. I’ve enjoyed Mr. Harding’s full length novels and was intrigued when I read that readers could go to Mr. Harding’s website and vote for which short story they wanted to be made into a full length novel. What a great opportunity, to get a taste of a compelling story and influence, even in a small way, the author in expanding it. I was in!
The Cats of Savone is a collection that does not fit neatly into any categories. The eight stories are a mix of so many things: historical fiction, contemporary fiction, western, coming-of age, even the paranormal fantasy genre is covered. There is a story to capture the attention of just about any reader regardless of their tastes. Each story is surprisingly well developed given the short length and each and every story has touching characters that are hard not to absorb into your heart.
For my part, being a huge fan of historical fiction, my favorite stories were Black Men in Bright Blue and Forever Beneath the Celtic. In Black Men in Bright Blue the Civil War is seen through the eyes of an intelligent, precocious and exceedingly tender hearted young Southern girl caught between what is expected of a rich young white girl of her station at this time and what she sees as the strange and brutal treatment of the slaves living on her father’s plantation. Our young heroine, Rachel, is a remarkable character and is able to follow what her heart tells her is right with bravery far above what you would expect for someone her age. It is truly heartbreaking and I would love to see this made into a full length novel. Forever Beneath the Celtic follows the crew of German submarine U-20 as they traverse the ocean depths and follow out their orders to sink enemy ships. But when the captain orders they sink the civilian passenger liner Lusitania the men will have their own internal battles between what they know to be their duty and what they can justify as necessary casualties of war.
These two stories are just the tip of the iceberg of what is offered in The Cats of Savone and I encourage readers to pick it up and see what else is on offer. I am so excited to see what story gets the most votes and is selected as the next full length novel from Mr. Harding. Any of them would make an excellent choice!
November 24, 2013
‘Writing the Next Great American Novel is a marathon. Short Stories are the roadwork, preparation, and conditioning.’
David-Michael Harding has come up with another superb book that shares with the reader the idea that short stories are the doorways to future novels. Or better said in quoting Harding, ‘Most novels begin their lives as short stories. Writing, much like any gift, skill, habit, or hope, is strengthened through practice, training, and exercise. The short story is the stretching and dedication to a running regime long before the marathon. It is the repetition of scales on the piano, years before the recital.’ And if you visit his website you learn that David-Michael Harding is a life-long writer whose work has appeared in national publications and has been recognized by the international writing community for his piece, ‘The Cats of Savone’. Harding’s highly respected historical fiction works include HOW ANGELS DIE and CHEROKEE TALISMAN – both of which this reader has read on repeated occasions. According to is PR, ‘With a Masters in Education and as an adjunct professor of writing, he is a former collegiate writing instructor and semi-professional football player. His experiences provide readers with well researched, crushing fast-paced action. Most of his days are spent writing from the cockpit of his sailboat, Pegasus, somewhere off the Nature Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.’
This ‘completely abridged’ collection of his short stories gifts the reader with works that range from sports stories to college stories to war stories (WW I as well as the Civil War and the place of black soldiers in that American confrontation) to prisons as a sanctuary for cats, to the tender passing of an old soldier in Texas and the events that lead up to a small town bridge being devoted to jazz concerts. Each of the stories is so well developed that every character has not only a name and a presence but by story’s end, also a recognizable face – that is part to of Harding’s gift as a writer. Harding doesn’t tip toe around his subjects: he jumps in with a bit of visceral thunder and makes each tale explode. He obviously has the talent as he has proven in his full-length novels, and now we can see the seeds of what just may become (hopefully) more fine solid novels.
Grady Harp
David-Michael Harding has come up with another superb book that shares with the reader the idea that short stories are the doorways to future novels. Or better said in quoting Harding, ‘Most novels begin their lives as short stories. Writing, much like any gift, skill, habit, or hope, is strengthened through practice, training, and exercise. The short story is the stretching and dedication to a running regime long before the marathon. It is the repetition of scales on the piano, years before the recital.’ And if you visit his website you learn that David-Michael Harding is a life-long writer whose work has appeared in national publications and has been recognized by the international writing community for his piece, ‘The Cats of Savone’. Harding’s highly respected historical fiction works include HOW ANGELS DIE and CHEROKEE TALISMAN – both of which this reader has read on repeated occasions. According to is PR, ‘With a Masters in Education and as an adjunct professor of writing, he is a former collegiate writing instructor and semi-professional football player. His experiences provide readers with well researched, crushing fast-paced action. Most of his days are spent writing from the cockpit of his sailboat, Pegasus, somewhere off the Nature Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.’
This ‘completely abridged’ collection of his short stories gifts the reader with works that range from sports stories to college stories to war stories (WW I as well as the Civil War and the place of black soldiers in that American confrontation) to prisons as a sanctuary for cats, to the tender passing of an old soldier in Texas and the events that lead up to a small town bridge being devoted to jazz concerts. Each of the stories is so well developed that every character has not only a name and a presence but by story’s end, also a recognizable face – that is part to of Harding’s gift as a writer. Harding doesn’t tip toe around his subjects: he jumps in with a bit of visceral thunder and makes each tale explode. He obviously has the talent as he has proven in his full-length novels, and now we can see the seeds of what just may become (hopefully) more fine solid novels.
Grady Harp
June 30, 2017
Read my full review on The Book Musings
Having read How Angels Die by the same author, which I loved and count as one of my favourite historical fiction novels, I just had to say yes to review this one too. In this book, David gives us 8 unique stories that cover different genres such as historical fiction and fantasy. He also notes that most novels starts out as short stories and gives us, his readers, the opportunity to read the eight short stories and vote for our favourite. The story that gets the most votes will be turned into a full length novel!
I have about 3 stories that I really enjoyed, but unfortunately I had to pick only one favourite which was “St Alden’s”. It’s a story about the fight between good and evil. The story starts out with 3 students that are supposed to start their college life at St Alden’s university, but when they get there they learn that the university has some mysterious secrets about it. Being entrusted to be on the side of good, the three students find themselves in the middle of the fight against evil. However weird the story may be, and not my usual type of story, I really enjoyed reading it.
I’ve also enjoyed “Black Men in Bright Blue” where a ten year old girl came to learn about slavery and the cruel truth behind it. My third favourite would be “My Boo Radley” that is about a young boy who lived next to a man everyone called The Elephant Man and was convinced he is a monster, yet the man is everything but that. He teaches the boy lessons in baseball, which takes him far in his chosen sport, but the boy learns a valuable lesson at the end of the story.
Having read How Angels Die by the same author, which I loved and count as one of my favourite historical fiction novels, I just had to say yes to review this one too. In this book, David gives us 8 unique stories that cover different genres such as historical fiction and fantasy. He also notes that most novels starts out as short stories and gives us, his readers, the opportunity to read the eight short stories and vote for our favourite. The story that gets the most votes will be turned into a full length novel!
I have about 3 stories that I really enjoyed, but unfortunately I had to pick only one favourite which was “St Alden’s”. It’s a story about the fight between good and evil. The story starts out with 3 students that are supposed to start their college life at St Alden’s university, but when they get there they learn that the university has some mysterious secrets about it. Being entrusted to be on the side of good, the three students find themselves in the middle of the fight against evil. However weird the story may be, and not my usual type of story, I really enjoyed reading it.
I’ve also enjoyed “Black Men in Bright Blue” where a ten year old girl came to learn about slavery and the cruel truth behind it. My third favourite would be “My Boo Radley” that is about a young boy who lived next to a man everyone called The Elephant Man and was convinced he is a monster, yet the man is everything but that. He teaches the boy lessons in baseball, which takes him far in his chosen sport, but the boy learns a valuable lesson at the end of the story.
November 16, 2013
Wow! What a fantastic read! I especially loved the diversity of the short stories. The author truly offers the reader such a broad spectrum from which to choose, depending on what type of mood you are in & how much time you have! The Cats of Savone was right up my alley.
I was so immersed in some of the stories, I didn't want them to end (of course, I'm going to vote on DavidMichaelHarding.com for my favorite to see if it wins a chance to become a full-length novel...however, just picking one will prove to be quite difficult!) I really enjoy books that are well balanced in accurate historical references and characters with whom you begin to care about & understand as you turn the pages; this is exactly what I found with these 8 short novels.
I also thought the twists and underlying lessons towards the end of such stories as My Boo Radley, Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea, The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass, and Black Men in Bright Blue were not only entertaining but also allowed the reader to sit back and reflect on the lives of both past & present generations. The relationships and lessons portrayed in these stories are expertly written.
Then...to shake things up a bit, the author gives us St. Alden's which is unlike any story I have ever read. Again, going back to my diversity comment earlier-The Cats of Savone offers such a wide range of stories, all wrapped up in one book-which, makes it so unique. It will not disappoint!
A definite read!
I was so immersed in some of the stories, I didn't want them to end (of course, I'm going to vote on DavidMichaelHarding.com for my favorite to see if it wins a chance to become a full-length novel...however, just picking one will prove to be quite difficult!) I really enjoy books that are well balanced in accurate historical references and characters with whom you begin to care about & understand as you turn the pages; this is exactly what I found with these 8 short novels.
I also thought the twists and underlying lessons towards the end of such stories as My Boo Radley, Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea, The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass, and Black Men in Bright Blue were not only entertaining but also allowed the reader to sit back and reflect on the lives of both past & present generations. The relationships and lessons portrayed in these stories are expertly written.
Then...to shake things up a bit, the author gives us St. Alden's which is unlike any story I have ever read. Again, going back to my diversity comment earlier-The Cats of Savone offers such a wide range of stories, all wrapped up in one book-which, makes it so unique. It will not disappoint!
A definite read!
November 27, 2013
(Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this novel through First Reads)
The Cats of Savone is David-Michael Hardings attempt to appeal to every audience. These 8 short stories run the gamut from historical fiction, to fantasy, to a more high brow literature. Stories like "The Cats of Savone" and "St. Alden's" craft deep, dynamic characters that are realistic and relatable in a very well developed setting. "Black Men in Bright Blue" and "The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass" offer historical incite. "The Cats of Savone" and "St. Alden's" are very well written stories that strung me along through the stories of a pregnant cat choosing a prison rec yard as a new home and three new students at a famously exclusive college with a past riddled with mystery, respectively. I absolutely loved these stories. The only story I didn't really connect with was "Black Men in Dark Blue." I felt is played out in a very predictable way. Granted that it is historical fiction, the characters felt fairly stock to me and I never really saw much development in them. "The Cats of Savone" gave me many characters in a short amount of time, but each was beautiful crafted and distinct. "Black Men in Dark Blue" didn't give me much to work with. Overall, this collection is wonderful. Every story but "Black Men in Dark Blue" created a wonderful world that I could get lost in.
The Cats of Savone is David-Michael Hardings attempt to appeal to every audience. These 8 short stories run the gamut from historical fiction, to fantasy, to a more high brow literature. Stories like "The Cats of Savone" and "St. Alden's" craft deep, dynamic characters that are realistic and relatable in a very well developed setting. "Black Men in Bright Blue" and "The History of West Texas According to Henry Brass" offer historical incite. "The Cats of Savone" and "St. Alden's" are very well written stories that strung me along through the stories of a pregnant cat choosing a prison rec yard as a new home and three new students at a famously exclusive college with a past riddled with mystery, respectively. I absolutely loved these stories. The only story I didn't really connect with was "Black Men in Dark Blue." I felt is played out in a very predictable way. Granted that it is historical fiction, the characters felt fairly stock to me and I never really saw much development in them. "The Cats of Savone" gave me many characters in a short amount of time, but each was beautiful crafted and distinct. "Black Men in Dark Blue" didn't give me much to work with. Overall, this collection is wonderful. Every story but "Black Men in Dark Blue" created a wonderful world that I could get lost in.
January 8, 2014
Full review on my blog
The stories in this volume, The cats of Savone, don’t have a common link; they include a wide range of genres such as historical fiction, contemporary fiction and even fantasy, with different characters, plots and sceneries, so every reader can find a story to like in this book.
You can also vote for your favourite in this link, because David-Michael is going to develop a full long novel from the most voted story. I think mine is the one titled Forever beneath the Celtic Sea, which tells the story of the crew in the German submarine U-20, the one which torpedoed the Lusitania and caused the US enter the First World War. It’s a story about guilt in war time: are you guilty of killing other people, or is the superior who gives the command the one to blame? I love war time novels; there are lots of topics to talk about and you always learn something new about history.
Do you read short stories?
January 20, 2014
Most of these stories were really good, a few I didn't care for. My faves were "My Boo Radley" (A young baseball player's encounter with a disfigured neighbor), "Black Men In Bright Blue",(A young girl growing up during the Civil War) "Forever Beneath The Celtic Sea" (historical fiction taking place in the German U-boat that sank the Lusitania)and "The History Of West Texas, According To Henry Brass" (tales of old Texas told to a doctor by a dying long-time resident). "The Cats Of Savone" (a pregnant cat makes her way into a prison yard and is adopted by the cell mates) was good but not great, and "The Junket" and "The Jazz Bridge" were boring. I quit reading "St. Alden's", which was filled with fantasy. It takes place on a college campus where wolves prey on people at night and weapons of silver can be used by chosen people to defend themselves. That's as far as I got. For short story lovers, the four or five better stories are worth the price of the book. And you may like the ones I didn't.
June 20, 2014
The Cats of Savone where the cats bring a ray of sunshine to a dismal place. My Boo Radley teaches us not to judge a book by it's cover. Black Men in Bright Blue reminds us of a time in history. The Jazz Bridge can be more than just a bridge. St. Alden's is a place of prestige and honor. The Junket is a reminder that we all need someone. Forever Beneath the Celtic Sea tells us karma does exist. The History of West Texas According to Henry Bass, where kindness goes a long way.
Touching, inspiring and powerful! This book will fill your heart, soul and mind in a positive way. Mr. Harding weaves stories like no one else. Each story is told with such caring and compassion you feel as if you know the characters involved personally. You will NEVER go wrong with a David-Michael Harding book. He's a must get author for me.
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 5 cheers plus out of 5. Mr. Harding touches me deeply with each book he writes.
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
Touching, inspiring and powerful! This book will fill your heart, soul and mind in a positive way. Mr. Harding weaves stories like no one else. Each story is told with such caring and compassion you feel as if you know the characters involved personally. You will NEVER go wrong with a David-Michael Harding book. He's a must get author for me.
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 5 cheers plus out of 5. Mr. Harding touches me deeply with each book he writes.
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
March 27, 2014
I really enjoyed all of these stories. I think both young and old would enjoy these stories and yes the diversity, they are all so different with totally different story lines. It's hard to say for sure but I think My Boo Radley is my favorite! It makes me think of the little league days where all my brothers played and I remember watching them and of course going to the concession stand and just hanging out there with my girlfriends! Although The Junket was a close second and very good too. The two main characters were so endearing and portrayed very well. A little bit sad but overall very good. I really enjoyed all the stories. I love the idea of short stories... after all these are "8 short novels for busy people" and that they are!
December 13, 2013
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m a fan of David-Michael Harding. I absolutely loved How Angels Die, which is about two strong and sexy sisters who work to defeat the Nazis, and I still think about that book from time to time.
Then I read and enjoyed Cherokee Talisman, which is about the Cherokee Indians who are being pushed off their land by the white people who are expanding in America.
And now, it’s The Cats of Savone by David-Michael Harding. The Cats of Savone is a cool book for a few reasons:
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
I’m a fan of David-Michael Harding. I absolutely loved How Angels Die, which is about two strong and sexy sisters who work to defeat the Nazis, and I still think about that book from time to time.
Then I read and enjoyed Cherokee Talisman, which is about the Cherokee Indians who are being pushed off their land by the white people who are expanding in America.
And now, it’s The Cats of Savone by David-Michael Harding. The Cats of Savone is a cool book for a few reasons:
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
August 1, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: It’s incredibly well written. There were a few stories I didn’t enjoy, but overall it was lovely. “Black Men in Bright Blue” is wonderful, as is “The Cats of Savone” itself, but I struggled to relate to some of the other stories . . . I guess I’m a kids and cats kind of gal. =)
Would I recommend it: If you’re a busy fan of historical fiction, I say go for it.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/07/re...
Would I recommend it: If you’re a busy fan of historical fiction, I say go for it.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/07/re...
May 15, 2014
The Cats of Savone is a collection of 8 short stories that leave you wanting more. Each story is well thought out and totally believable. The History of Texas is so well written that you can't tell if it's fiction or non-fiction and it has a great ending. St. Alden's is a story about good versus evil that leaves you hoping for a sequel. I enjoyed all 8 stories, each one bringing something new to the table. David Michael Harding is a great storyteller.
February 8, 2017
This was an interesting story. It was very well written and takes the reader beyond the walls of a prison with all its sadness and violence; however, there were many signs of love, tenderness, compassion, and respect for life. There were common bonds between prisoner and guard. I enjoyed reading this novel.
December 9, 2013
Great book. It consists of eight very creative and entertaining short stories, each of which can be read in an hour or two. The diversity of topics and subject matter showcases Harding's versatility.
August 31, 2016
I really like this author. Cats of Savone was really enjoyable but also How Angels Die is one of my all time favorites.
November 8, 2016
Two-part review starting here
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November 26, 2016
Love this story and would love to explore the walls of this historic site;-)
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