Four Ducks on a Pond

by Annabel Carothers, Lyn Dunachie (Illustrator)

Being well camouflaged and unobtrusive, Nicholas keenly observed the comings and goings of three generations of his family and their animals in a remote area of the Isle of Mull. In the early 1950s life was basic, without mains water or electricity, as each day followed the next. But sometimes the routine was disrupted. Despite its isolation, the island was affected by Foot and Mouth disease while conflict raging in a foreign land caused separation in the family. Nothing escaped Nicholas' attention. As the family cat, his contact with humans and animals alike gave him a unique opportunity to record the events that concerned them all. This delightful account, written during a year in the life of the family, came to light after more than fifty years of neglect in a drawer. It will appeal to all ages, and to lovers of the simple life, of big open spaces, of country living, of farm animals - and of cats in particular.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2010

About the author

In 1951, Annabel Carothers sold her family house in London and joined her parents in Mull, setting up a smallholding with Carla, a spaniel, and Nicholas, a cat. During this period she wrote the novels It Happened to Rain, A Breeze in the Barley and Four Ducks on a Pond. Her first novel, A Breeze in the Barley was published by William Heinemann along with its sequel, The Silver Link. The trilogy was completed with Kilcaraig, which was published on 26 April 1982 – the day, tragically, she died. In 2008, her daughter, Fionna Eden-Bushell, discovered the manuscript of Four Ducks on a Pond in a desk drawer and submitted it for publication, finally and fittingly completing her mother’s publishing oeuvre.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quaint short memoir set in the 1950s on the island of Mull. It’s narrated in tongue-in-cheek fashion by Nicholas the Cat, who pals around with the farm’s dogs, horse and goats and comments on the doings of its human inhabitants, such as “Puddy” (Carothers), a war widow, and her daughter Fionna, who goes away to school. “We understand so much about them, yet they understand so little about us,” he opines. Indeed, the animals are all observant and can communicate with each other. Corrieshellach is a fine horse taken to compete in shows. The goats are lucky to escape with their lives after a local outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock. Nicholas grows fat on rabbits and fathers several litters. He voices some traditional views (the Clearances: bad but the Empire: good; crows: bad); then again, cats would certainly be C/conservatives. A sweet Blyton-esque read for precocious children or sentimental adults, this passed the time nicely on a long drive. It could do with a better title, though; the ducks only play a tiny role. (Favourite aside: “that beverage which humans find so comforting when things aren’t right. Tea.”)

Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.

[Juliet Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely memoir about life on the Scottish island of Mull during the 1950s told from the point of view of Nicholas the cat as narrated to Annabel Carothers and with lovely illustrations by Lyn Dunachie.

Nicholas shares his observations of farm life, the effects of foot and mouth disease and the changing social situation on the island. He talks with particular fondness of his best friend, Corrieshellach, the horse:

'She greeted me with the low, Highland whinny that had first endeared her to me, and .... I went with her round the end of the barn to the cosy spot she had been in all night, carefully out of the way of the wind. And she lay down, slowly, ponderously and shook her mane so that it lay in silverly streams over her neck. And i climbed up on her and nestled against her, and closed my eyes but took care to purr rapturously into her listening ear.'

This a delightful and fanciful look at Scottish island life and well worth reading, particularly if you're needing a break from more demanding literature.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of this was so interesting and cute, but actually it felt like a chore to read. Not sure exactly why I didn't enjoy it more, just somehow didn't quite work.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice palate cleanser between two heavy reads. Heart-warming and cosy but yet very honest about difficulties that are experienced in the countryside. Humorous and caring, told with the gentleness and empathy. Delightful.

[Ben Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

that was decent. it was a pleasant experience. i surprisngly liked hearing the thoughts of cats

[Xanthi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book read as being a rather idealised account of rural living in Scotland, in the 1950s. Fans of James Herriot would enjoy it. As for me, despite being a cat fan (for this story is told from a cat's perspective ) I didn't find if to be all that cosy of a story, what with all the killing of animals involved.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book on the rural life in Scotland. A very good illustration of country life told by the cat of the house. A quick and enjoyable read.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy, feel-good read. :-)

[Norma]

Found this book a bit dull.