A Cat in the Window: Tales from a Cornish Flower Farm

The Minack Chronicles #2

by Derek Tangye

The second title in the Minack Chronicles, this tells in more detail the story of Derek and Jeannie's beloved ginger cat Monty. From the first moment Derek, who was not until then a cat-lover, met a tiny bundle of fur with Jeannie, through to the pet's old age when he would still walk down to the stream to make 'Monty's Leap', this is a touching story of friendship between two people and their cat.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Cats, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

106 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

During WWII, Derek Tangye worked for MI5 (the U.K.'s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency) and, after the war, he worked as a newspaper columnist. His wife, Jeannie Nicol Tangye, was a hotel PR executive. They both left their jobs in the city to move to a simple cottage on a flower farm in Cornwall.

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Derek Tangye's wonderful books. This one revolves around their beloved ginger cat, Monty. Derek started out as a dog-person, and didn't like cats at all. But, of course, from the very first meeting in a Savoy hotel room, a tiny kitten changed all that.

Derek was a newspaper columnist (during WWII he worked for MI5) and his wife was a hotel PR executive, before they gave it all up to move into a simple cottage on a clifftop, and raise daffodils. Their home was near St. Buryan, in Cornwall, England.

This book is one of many he wrote about their life.

5 Stars = Exceptional. It made a significant impact.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet tale about how Derek, a non- cat lover, falls under the spell of Monty. Now I'm not particularly a cat lover myself but do see the similarities in the actions of Monty & my son's cats. The book is very like Deric Longden's cat books but without the blatent humour. The affection between Derek, Jeannie & Monty is obvious & it's hard not to be charmed. It's a short book at 106 pages but just the right length - too long & it might have run the risk of getting over sentimental.

I was left wondering as to why the couple chose to move to a flower farm as that area of their life wasn't covered but explored eleswhere in "The Minack Chronicles", & while I did enjoy this foray into 1930s/40s life, I doubt I'll follow it up

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book and I don't even really care for cats. He is a very good writer - a very good 'raconteur'. Tangye and his wife moved from illustrious careers in London to Cornwall where they began growing and selling flowers. He writes of their everyday life and makes the everyday interesting. It is the second of his Minack books that I have read. I plan to read them all.

[Retta · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet story of the 16 years an orange cat - Monty - lives with his British couple. Full of love.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book as much as the first volume and while it had the same gentle tone and style, I could not. Probably it was because I can’t stand people going into rhapsody over cats, knowing the extreme damage they have done to wildlife in Australia. All cats are hunters, despite the author claiming his cat only caught one bird and never killed it. Pfft. As if. A cat allowed to wander at night!! Yeah right. A cat that killed rabbits and mice. Added to this I can’t get into love poured into a cat. Not that I am against cats. I have owned several I have loved. But not to point of talking to them as if they are your children.

Of course, there were elements I enjoyed - the description of countryside, the tone, the style, the blasé accounts of WWII bombings which showed such strength of character and humour.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming read. Even though I’m more of a dog person, I absolutely loved reading about Monty, the charming ginger cat, and his peaceful life. It’s not the kind of book with big adventures or dramatic twists that I usually go for, but there’s something so comforting about following this little family in their cozy Cornish cottage. The whole time, I found myself smiling at the simple joys and sweet moments. What a lovely, feel-good book!

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek has always been a dog lover who has no time for the way of cats, until his wife Jeannie brings a kitten into their life - and from the beginning to their quieter years in a cottage of Minack, Monty the cat brings a whole new level of comfort, mishap and serene adventure to their home life. Tangye will enthrall readers in this homey tale, its cozy atmosphere and delightful sense of charm an appealing escape for all ages. Truly there is no companion as vexingly enjoyable as a cat...

[jean sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book which I really enjoyed reading, the second in the series and now starting the third with eager anticipation. If you love reading about the countryside especially Cornwall and of animals and birds are included in the story this is a series for you.

[C. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful memoir about Monty, a cat that shared ownership with two pet parents. He was much loved by both of his carers and kept them entertained for sixteen years with his adventures and exploits. I was very sad to come to the end of his story.

[Jane E · Rating 5 out of 5]

All about a cat named Monty.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* For all cat and Cornwall lovers, a sweet nostalgic tale.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book depicting Derek and Jeannie Tangye's life with their wonderful ginger tom, Monty. All cat lovers will be able to relate. 💓

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little read. The hero is a cat - so what’s not to like?

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars and a lovely story.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few books about cats I don’t enjoy, the language is “of its time” but a lovely heart warming little book.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. This I have read for the 2nd time and it was even better.

[Nicky Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely, simple, heartfelt memoir of a cat and his human companions.

[Patricia Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of the Tangyes' life at Minack (Cornwall, England) and their cat, Monty.

[Liz Letcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant read

[Event Horizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, lovely, gentle, moving story

[Amanda Witt]

A fun little read about the author's experiences at their Cornish home with the cat, describing his antics and activities.