Matthew Flinder's Cat

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 16 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of a drunk, a boy, and a cat. Billy O'Shannessy, once a prominent barrister, is now on the street where he sleeps on a bench outside the State Library. Above him on the window sill rests a bronze statue of Matthew Flinders' cat, Trim. Ryan is a 10-year-old, a near-street kid heading for the usual trouble. The two form an unlikely bond. Through telling Ryan the story of Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia as seen through Trim's eyes, Billy is drawn deeply into Ryan's life and into the Sydney underworld.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Publishing Pty. Ltd

Language Language Language

I am a great fan of Bryce Courtenay. He's one of my favorite authors and have loved just about every story I've listened to. I'm also very tolerant of foul language - being one who is not particularly pure of mouth but when I have to listen to the F@&K word over and over again - often every other word, there comes a point where enough is enough. I made it only a few hours into the book and while I was engaged and really wanted to hear the story, there's only so much I can take to listening to F&%K! Anyway, I didn't see that it was necessary to get the point across. Maybe one of these days, I'll pick up the story again.

Modern Day Classic

What did you love best about Matthew Flinder's Cat?

It had a hopeful ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Matthew Flinder's Cat?

The poem.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but will now. Love Mr. Bower's narration.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It gave me chills at the end, when the poem was read.
It should have made me cry for what Ryan had to go through in his life. It made me sad for the state of our humanity. Strangely, it isn't a sad book though.
Their is hope in it.

Any additional comments?

I gave this 5 stars, but if I could do half stars, I would take off some for the somewhat abrupt ending. I kind of expected a little more description of the raid at the end, thinking it would last another 20-25 min.instead It ended in about 5 min after the last story of the cat (which also seemed abrupt). There could have been an opportunity for elaboration and some action scenes at the end, I thought.

Great story built on good research.

Would you listen to Matthew Flinder's Cat again? Why?

Yes because of good narration and the many twist and turns of a Bryce Courtenay novel.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Matthew Flinder's Cat?

His ability to catch rats only as the need arose.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Billy and Ryan are finally reunited

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Ryan singing in the church and then disappearing.

Any additional comments?

Always good to have the 'baddies' caught and put out of business.

Extraordinary Story

I consider this book "a sleeper." A book I decided to purchase on a whim, and what a story! The main characters might be considered 'losers' in society but are true heroes. A derelict lawyer, a discarded child, and a fabled cat that binds the lawyer and child together in a horrific yet uplifting tale. Even at the darkest moments of the book, one pulls for them to win. I laughed and cried during this listen. And what a marvelous narration! I loved every word.

Almost the best till last

Well that's the lot unless BC left one behind to publish from the grave but I am so glad I left this one to last. I enjoyed all his books to varying degrees but this one hit home and took me to places I had not thought of. Provocative, read brilliantly as you might expect by HB and poignant to say the least. Yes, I would have liked a bigger ending, yes it might be a little predictable but worth every invested second of your listening time.

Tough start, great story

I am very happy I stuck with it. I wasn't loving the book for the first chapter or so. It ended up being a great story.

Not sure

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, but there were bits I would have skipped in a paper issue. At times it sounded like a documentary rather than a story. I found myself really hoping that Billy would succeed, but then getting tired of the detailed description of the process.

A deeply moving story of redemption and hope.

A deeply moving story of redemption and hope, this tale gives insight into the struggles faced by addicts and the bravery of those who choose to face their demons in order to free themselves. While it does not flinch from addressing some utterly evil aspects of humanity it also celebrates the joy and hope that can be found in true friendship.

Captivating story of 3 admirable characters!

What did you love best about Matthew Flinder's Cat?

I was impressed by the realistic description of a man in detox; Bower's narration of all the characters, particularly that of an 11 year old boy's voice; and Master Trim's human-like characteristics

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy was an articulate and intelligent lawyer that succumbed to alcohol as any other average person, however, he was able to turn his life around when he accepts that he abandoned his young friend and puts the boy's welfare above his own.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are too many to say.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, impossible. I like to repeat sections two or three times over a few days.

Any additional comments?

Bryce Courtney is a great, amazing writer! I highly recommend the Potatoe Factory Trilogy, in part for it's historical value, but expecially for the main characters that will bring me back for a second listen. I give Matthew Flinder's Cat an equally excellent review. I plan to read another one of Cortney's books soon.

Another great book by Bryce Courtenay

The story start off slow, but as usual the characters and the story captivates you. Great listen.