Conversations with Tom

by Angela Lockwood

When Jeff and his wife Lisa adopt a kitten named Tom, they have no idea their marriage is in trouble. When the fluffy kitten turns out to be a boisterous cat, hell-bent on destroying furniture, Lisa realises life isn’t turning out the way she’d planned. Tom’s conviction that 4am really is the best time of day, plus her husband’s disastrous business sense, soon drives Lisa into the arms of another man.

Newly single, and at a loss, Jeff turns to his cat for a sympathetic furry ear. The witty and convincingly cat-like character he imagines becomes the friend he so desperately needs. But as his owner agonises about love and life, Tom concerns himself with more important matters, such as soliciting tuna and how to get better acquainted with the neighbour’s rabbit. Although they don’t always understand each other, Jeff and Tom form an unbreakable bond – until a trip to the vet changes everything…

Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2017

About the author

Angela Lockwood-van der Klauw was born in the Netherlands. She learned her trade as a jeweller and gemmologist at the Vakschool Schoonhoven before moving to Edinburgh as an apprentice jeweller. There she met and later married her husband Adam. Angela ran her own jeweller's shop in Edinburgh for ten years before she and her husband moved to the south of France in 2011. Like Cameron, Angela prefers the climate there, but often thinks about the town she left behind and its people.

Cameron's story was born in the spring of 2013, a very wet spring during which Angela found herself climbing the walls, frustrated that she couldn't go out and have her usual long walks along the seafront. Seeing his wife's frustration, Adam suggested 'Why don't you write a book?'

Angela thought about it for a few days, then switched on her laptop and started writing. Language in the Blood (Book1) was her first book. She has since published two more titles.And published short stories in two independant author anthologies:'You're not Alone' and 'Holes'

Reviews

[J. Schlenker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to classify this as Kitty Lit. I think everyone who loves cats will love it. This is one of those books I was meant to pick up and read as I've written about a cat myself, a tabby cat like Tom, who was also fixed, based on our own cat. Also, I am currently writing an animal story. This book gave me lots of insight. It was almost as if Tom acted as Jeff's (the main character, or was Tom the main character, not sure) psychologist between his divorce and him reentering the dating scene. I think people who have cats living with them could certainly relate to this. I don't like saying cat owners, as I think no one owns them. And honestly, I thought Tom was a bit more mature than Jeff.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Cat Lovers and anyone who needs a pick-me-up!

Can you remember Garfield? You know the comic strips that were always on the back page of the newspaper? Well, this is Garfield for adults. It is hilarious, from the first page to the end, you will never look at a cat again without wondering what they are thinking!

Tom, the cat, is clearly the hero of this story, while the life of his owner plays out around him, but as long as Tom has an endless supply of Tuna, everything will be fine. Apart from the visits to the vet, I mean, what is that all about? That is just wrong!!

Conversations with Tom is a charming book. I was completely enthralled with the story. Jeff, Tom's owner, doesn't have a lot of luck in either love or business, but he does have Tom (or Tom's as he begins to call him later on in the book) whom he adores beyond all reason. As the years pass by Jeff really grows as a character, he is incredibly likeable and totally believable and he is as adorable as his cat!

This book for me was just a real corker and do you know what? I am going to read it again because it just made me laugh out loud so many times.

This one is a keeper and now I want a cat!!

I Highly Recommend.

[Kayla Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all "It's not chick-fic, it's kitty-fic!"

The best way I could describe this book is ... odd. LOL but in an entertaining way. That probably doesn't make sense, but this is such an original story, I don't know how else to describe it.

Jeff wasn't always likeable. He seemed selfish and lazy. But his relationship with Tom was hilarious.

Tom himself is your typical cat. Or what, I imagine a typical cat thinks about.

Would definitely recommend this to cat lovers. I'm sure they could relate to a lot of Tom's antics.

4.5 STARS!

[Linda Brendle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations with Tom started out as a funny, light-hearted story of boy meets cat, even though the boy is 33 years old. Throughout the story, both Jeff and Tom learn about life and love in a different kind of coming-of-age tale. Angela Lockwood’s book is a quick read that is hard to put down. She got the cat personality just right although I hope our Kitty’s language is a little more refined than Tom’s and that she doesn’t hold us in quite as much contempt as he does the people and animals around him. I would recommend this book with one caveat. Even though it’s a story about cats, it’s not for children due to some language and adult content. Good job, Angela!

[Sandra Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversation with Tom by Angela Lockwood is a hilarious tale that puts you into the mind of Tom, a ginger cat from the time he was a new born kitten. This story is a much read for all cat owners. The things Tom says or thinks will get you thinking about the life of your own cat and what you can do to make their lives happier and healthier. Tom will have you laughing as you see life through a cats eyes as he deals with the challenges of life with his humans and the obstacles they hop through. Thank you Angela for such a delightful story.

[Sedona Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations with Tom is a unique, fun read told in part in Tom the cat’s point of view. Tom was an absolute hoot and stole the show! His perspective and dry humor reminded me of a hilarious YouTube video, “Sad Cat Diary,” which is one of my all-time favorites! In Conversations with Tom, Jeff and Lisa want to start a family so they decide to get a pet for practice. Jeff falls for their new kitten, Tom. The cat makes Lisa realize she’s not ready for a pet, a family, or for marriage. The story picked up pace after Lisa left. While Jeff experienced ups and downs, Tom was always there to bond and to share his unique and often comical view of Jeff’s life. As Jeff started dating again, Tom liked some of Jeff’s dates and disliked others. The cat didn’t hesitate to show his feelings, especially with the ladies he didn’t like. I love that Tom fell for the same woman as Jeff did, despite the fact that she was a vet who made Tom uncomfortable at first…“Did you see where she put that thermometer?” I enjoyed Tom’s evolution through the story, and appreciated that he had to fight for his woman. I won’t spoil the ending but it’s an HEA for man, woman, and cat.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare for me actually to laugh out loud while reading a book, but with this one I did so many, many times. It took me three days to read it, because I was enjoying it so much that I forced myself to ration it, to make it last longer.

Lockwood has written a wonderfully original book; the blend of cat humour - and this is a writer who really knows cats - with a really sweet romance is way outside the usual genre boxes, and the book is all the better for it. The book manages to be truly heart-warming without the slightest hint of false sentimentality, and the no-nonsense narrative style works really well. It's beautifully conceived, beautifully written, and I loved it more than I can say.

[Christine Cowin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me the best laugh in years

This is such a humorous book. I loved the conversations between Jeff, Tom and other characters in the book. Thank you Angela for such a wonderfully written story that I visually participated in. Beautifully written with great humour. A must read.

[Amy Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading Conversations with Tom, I wondered how the author could pull off a whole book told (at least partially) from the cat's perspective without becoming too tedious or silly. I was pleasantly surprised when she did. For anyone who's lived with a cat, Lockwood's descriptions of Tom's behavior and the imagined conversations between him and Jeff are so spot on, it's impossible not to smile. I love the way the book looks at the relationships of the people, especially when it's from the cat's point of view. I've often wondered what our pets think of us, and I love the way that Tom evolves over time. The growth of his owner is also a fun and sometimes painfully realistic story of the blunderings of human beings. Fun read!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED TOM!

This book is an absolute treasure. It perfectly describes the wonderful relationship between a cat and it's human, misunderstandings and love. I definitely recommend this one.

[Kata Mlek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most pet owners, no matter if they've got a dog, a cat or fish, talk to their beloved animals. So am I--the conversations I'm having with my dog are pretty similar to the ones between Tom, the cat, a smart one (despite he can count only to ten), and Jeff, the human, not that bright at all (but can open a tuna can). Jeff worships Tom (and this is the way it should be) and as a basically dumb creature seeks his advice regarding relationships, business, and life.

Tom's views are pretty straightforward--animals, in general, perceive the world as a non-complicated place where their easy-going attitude is just enough to be happy. On the contrary, humans must try harder and struggle to find their place on earth. They need to be responsible, work hard, overcome obstacles and so on.

Jeff would like to be a cat I think. He was not made to push his way through the crowd of competitors at huge corporations or stock exchange--this is the job for his wife. No wonder Lisa gets tired with him and leaves with another man. Fortunately, just like a cat, Jeff lands on his four (or rather two) legs and moves on to find the real love of his life (apart from Tom of course).

The best parts of the book were the passages where Tom explained his point of view to (stupid) Jeff. I wish there were more of them! Tom simply stole the show and my heart and the human beings, though interesting and likable, were just a background for the adventures of him and his friends.

I recommend this book not only for cat lovers but to anyone staying in close relationship with their pet. It's a funny, warm and entertaining read.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a whirlwind romance from love at first sip to a wedding on the beach, life had seemed smooth sailing. But Lisa wanted children, but Jeff was not quite ready and, given how much he missed his own childhood pet, suggested a trial run with a cat. It turns out this had been one of Jeff's only good ideas. Failed business ventures quickly exhausted their savings, and Lisa hated the long commute to work. The tension in the home had become a source of great unrest and Tom, the feisty ginger cat, waking her up at 4am every day was not helping. Lisa soon comes to realise that she can not longer see a future with Jeff, and his cat. She turns to another man, ending their marriage and is relieved to see the back of them both. Jeff is torn apart, and seeks comfort by confiding his concerns in Tom, while trying to provide the best life he can for his somewhat mischievous feline, but his aptitude for business is anything but good.

This is certainly  a unique read, the sections from Tom's perspective really made me grin at times, as a cat owner myself I've been on the receiving end or witness to some of Tom's quirks. It is a brilliantly written, engaging, and enjoyable story about relationships, not only between a cat and his human, but between families and loved ones as well. I have to say there were parts of this book that really made me chuckle, in fact, one of Jeff's business ventures in particular still has me grinning, but I won't spoil it by saying which. If you have a moggy of your own, or simply enjoy a good story infused with heartbreak, romance, and comedy, then this is a read for you.

[Ronovan Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations With Tom is a bit of a different sort of book. It starts off a little odd but that’s because a kitten is doing the talking. Before long you get in the grove of the storytelling and things are all good. At first I had no idea what to expect when faced with reading a book about a man, his cat, and his relationships. But you quickly end up with a grin on your face as Tom, the cat, begins to express himself and give his catly point of view. It’s also great when Tom’s human, Jeff, has the conversations with him. Those are really funny at times, especially when Tom moves to London and learns new vocabulary and attitude from city cats.

Jeff is the main human in the story and he’s a lot like the average human. He has an average job but also has dreams but where some of us with a bit of common sense would think, ‘now wait a minute’, Jeff just might pull the trigger and go for the idea he has. I can’t wait for you to read about his fur coat cleaning service. The only thing Jeff seems to have going for himself is his better than average looks. Hopefully that will win him a girl in the end, well that and a nice personality.

The situations are believable, okay for the most part they are believable except for just the one thing that I hope no one ever really would think of as a business opportunity. It worries me that the author thought it up.

I recommend this book to those looking for a good feel good book that will make you smile. It’s a fast paced book and I read it in less than a day, but that could just be because I liked it and didn’t put it down.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Conversations with Tom” is one of those books that leave you with a warm, happy feeling after you read the last words. But that’s not the only reason why I enjoyed this story. First of all, I found it very compelling the way it was written, with one of the main protagonists being a ginger cat named Tom, and who has a very distinctive voice of his own. His owner, Jeff, got him as a kitten while he was still married to Lisa; only, soon it turned out that his “relationship” with Tom would outlive his marriage.
I admit, I didn’t fancy Jeff that much in the very beginning of the story. A typical dreamer who comes up with good ideas, but doesn’t have enough drive or will-power to pursue what he loves and believes in. However, as the story unraveled, and Jeff finally encountered something (or someone, - I won’t give away the plot here, so you can enjoy the story for yourselves) that he’s ready to fight for, he gained not only my sympathy, but my utmost respect for this transformation.
What I also enjoyed was that the story didn’t just revolve around a romance, but addressed such important social issues as one’s social standing, marriage and divorce, overbearing parents, and many more. A highly recommended read!

[Anita Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a cat-lover, you’ll certainly enjoy this book. The writer’s dry sense of humor shines throughout the story. The further I got into the book the more enjoyable it became. I really loved Tom, the cat. Using Tom’s, point-of-view was unique. Actually, Tom is a major character along with his owner, Jeff.
Tom becomes a member of the family when Jeff and Lisa marry. The couple learns that they are quite different than the idealized versions they held of one another during their whirlwind romance. Lisa is driven to work hard and succeed, whereas, Jeff is much more of a dreamer. When Lisa wants to start a family, Jeff wisely suggests they start with a pet. It quickly becomes obvious that Tom and Jeff are meant for each other – especially when things between Tom and Lisa get rocky.
Once Lisa is out of the picture, the author allows us to get to know Jeff’s inner thoughts through his conversations with his pet, Tom. No spoilers, but if you like a HEA ending this story will not disappoint.

[Joy Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you are not a cat-lover, you will like Conversations with Tom. I don’t like cats, but I love Tom, the cat who helps tell Angela Lockwood’s warm, entertaining story along with the humans. Newly wed, Jeff and Lisa adopt a ginger cat from the animal shelter as practice for parenting before deciding to have a baby. Unfortunately, as the two humans are ill-suited for one another—she is an ambitious stockbroker while he is a lazy businessman who lacks sense—their cat outlasts their marriage. When Jeff starts back on the dating circuit, he reveals his inner thoughts through conversations with his cat. As their human-pet relationship strengthens, so does the reader’s bond with the cat. Tom is funny, charming, whimsical. Tom’s memory of his trip to the vet to be neutered will stick in my memory a long time.
The story starts out pleasant, if not rather bland, but then as the story picks up, the zingers surprised me. I found myself laughing out loud. The author’s wry sense of humour comes out loud and clear. Maybe I’ll go get a cat!

[Sandra Olshaski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very charming tale, partly narrated by Tom, a ginger cat, who is a compelling character. If you are a cat owner, you will recognize the descriptions of Tom's behavior. I didn't care for any of the other characters as much as Tom. Jeff is lazy and self-centered, but he does love Tom, which sort of redeems him. Jeff does, however, grow into a better person by the end of the story.

It is well written, flows smoothly and is witty and funny. "It's a little-known fact that to alleviate boredom, cats like to create lists." One of my favourite parts is when Tom remembers his trip to the vet for neutering and wonders if aliens have experimented on him. And the whole tuna thing made me laugh.

All in all the author has written in a way that elevates a story that could easily have been silly. Cat lovers will enjoy it. I just wish she hadn’t peppered her story with so many f-bombs – entirely unnecessary. In my opinion it takes away from an otherwise delightful novel.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend to readers of romantic comedy, cat lovers and anyone looking for a feel-good read.
I loved every minute of this romantic comedy in part narrated by Jeff's cat, Tom. The characters and situations were so realistic as they negotiated failed marriages, lively nephews, parental disdain and careers. Well, other than the talking cat! However, even Tom has to deal with daily irritations, the bully cat in his garden and the neigbour's daughter who involves him in her toy's tea parties. But that is probably why the idea worked so brilliantly, giving a gentle humour to the story rather than being silly. One of my favourite Tom moments was when recollecting his trip to the vet to be neutered he wondered if he'd been experimented on by aliens.
A delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

[Iva Kenaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that I would like this just after reading the synopsis. I love animals and fiction written from their POV is usually a special experience. Though I’m more of a dog person, I love cats too, and think they are amazing, wise beings that can teach us a lot. And this is exactly the case of Tom. The book switches between his POV, and a third-person storytelling of his human partner's endeavours. In my opinion, the author weaved both parts together nicely, and I enjoyed both of their story lines very much. It’s a feel good read, though there are moments when your heart beat stops or when you shed a tear. I can’t imagine someone not falling in love with Tom. And I also love that he had that special humour about him. It’s always fun to read about people from other beings’ eyes… I definitely recommend this book, it was a nice summer read.

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an animal lover and rescuer of dogs for many years, I was fascinated by the idea of reading Conversations with Tom, which was suggested to me by a friend. It did not disappoint. A married couple, Jeff and Lisa, adopt a kitten probably expecting it to bring good things to their relationship. It does the opposite. Much has already been written in reviews and I don’t want to recount the storyline but to add that what I absolutely loved was the rowdy kitten and true to the title the light shines on conversations with Tom in the dialogue. A lot of the human condition expresses itself through marital trouble, and those of us who love our pets, our furry kids, hold our breath with a vet visit. No spoilers here but suffice it to say this kitty conversationalist and friendship with his human won my heart.

[Allen Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conversations With Tom is an enjoyable story that will put a smile on your face especially when POV changes to that of Tom, the cat. Being a cat-lover, plagued and blessed by the presence of a cat in my life, I found the simple thought process of Tom to be right on point. Most of the time they are thinking about themselves.
I wasn't a fan of Tom's owner Jeff. It wasn't until the end that I started to develop a liking for him. He finally managed to grow up and stop annoying me. Lol. But the girlfriend, Kristen, saved the day, playing a perfect foil. I was happy when she entered the story and looked forward to their interactions together. I liked how the author developed their relationship. The evolution felt realistic, a good fit.
Overall, there's nothing not to like about the book unless you don't like cats.

[C.A. King · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Garfield without pictures!

Getting my usual warnings out of the way. This one has mature language. I'm actually not sure it fits, especially coming from the mouth of a kitty.

I love Tom. The cat has personality. The banter between cat and owner is precious, especially since he has to go through some of the hardest times in a person's life with his owner - from divorce to dating.

If you've ever wondered about how your cat would respond if he/she could talk, Lockwood has ideas that will keep you entertained.

I found some of the non-animal scenes a bit dry, but necessary to move the story forward. All in all, a well written book.

If you are a cat lover, you'll want to give this one a try!

[Ian Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, heartwarming read with a sense of humor. Cat lovers shouldn’t hesitate to crack the cover. Being an animal rights advocate, it’s hard for me to appreciate how you could read this and not come away as one yourself. Though the author takes no such high-toned approach with the reader. This is more like those movies where the pet is the central character and the focus of the madness. So expect a ton of fun to ensue. That said, the story isn’t frivolous. Characters are well-rounded and grow and develop over time. You might say that’s at least partly on account of Tom.

[R.T. Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cat lover and rescuer, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jeff's first marriage dissolves, and through the "narrative" of his cat, Tom, he weaves a tale of Jeff's continuing life until they meet Kirsten, Tom's veterinarian.

I must admit, I found a few parts tedious, and set the book aside at times, but I loved the "tuna" analogies, and openly laughed at Tom's alien experimentation claims regarding his neutering.

All-in-all, this was a great read that I highly recommend. Kudos to the author for such clever and humorous insight from the mind of a cat!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable, warm, and witty book told from the point of view of both man and cat. Not a standard book with a plot, per se. This is a book about relationships--not just romantic, but between siblings, adult children and their parents, and the most important: between human and cat. We follow Jeff (the man) and Tom (the cat) from Tom's adoption as a kitten, through Jeff's failed marriage and many failed jobs/businesses, to Jeff's final success with Kirsten (Tom's vet). A must-read if you are owned by a cat.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because it seemed like a witty change from the normal chick-lit. And it was, it was so pleasurable and made me laugh so many times. Hearing Jeff have his conversations with Tom, and the cat's voice was perfect! It was an amazing book with ups and downs, and humour throughout which made for a very good read. I loved the different take on things and thought the author did a wonderful job at both describing cat life as well as how it seems to us humans. Loved it very much and recommend to anyone who loves a good laugh and story along the way!

[Mari Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom, the cat, is the reason for reading this book. I loved his character so much! It was a very funny book although the humour did drop in the middle when the cat was not featuring in the story. However, the author’s skill with the humour in Tom’s character made me want to continue reading. There were some very clever and very funny lines from Tom and some of the other feline characters he came across. If you don’t like cats, this book is not for you. If you love cats, then I fully recommend it.

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was funny, an unusual read with lots of little twists and surprises. The thoughts of a cat and pictures of the scenes with Tom and his Mummy and Daddy were wonderful. The book also delved into the problems between a married couple and what happens when cracks develop and how they deal with them.

This was a lovely giggle, but not silly. A rare, light read that really kept me reading all the way through until the end.

Great stuff

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I may be biased as I’m rather fond of animals especially cats. I’ve read all the Dalai Lama’s cat and Bob the street cat series. This book however is quite different as it is more of a light romance story with a naughty cat in the picture. It was delightful to read and I’m very pleased with the ending as I’m a sucker for happy endings. Oops, did I just give the plot away? Anyway thanks for the entertaining read. P.S. I’m not the only one who talk to my cat. LOL

[Sharon Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with Conversations with Tom. I like the author's style and humour in her other books that I have read, so I had Conversations with Tom on pre-order. I am glad I did!

Conversations With Tom is as well written, humorous and easy reading. Once I started it, I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed the different styles of POV and loved the story from Tom's perspective. Can a cat be a main character? Of course! Tom is charismatic, charming and funny/ Lockwood thrills us with her comedic take on life from a cats view. His other half, the man of the house Jeff is a character that is well drawn without being complicated.

You don't have to love cats to read Conversations with Tom, the story and its events will keep you reading from beginning to end. I wait patiently for the next Angela Lockwood novel.