It's like this, cat

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24921

Title

It's like this, cat

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1950s New York City, this coming-of-age story follows young Dave and his family as they navigate neighborhood life, school pressures, and family dynamics. With the arrival of a stray tomcat named Cat, the narrative explores themes of responsibility, friendship, and growing up against the backdrop of urban Manhattan.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in 1950s New York City, Emily Neville's *It's like this, cat* follows young Dave and his family in a Gramercy Park apartment building. The story opens with a domestic clash: Dave earns money baby-sitting and buys a Belafonte record, sparking a heated argument with his loud, lawyer father, Pop. During the dispute, Dave flees to the home of his eccentric neighbor, Aunt Kate, a self-proclaimed 'Cat Woman' who shelters strays. There, Dave befriends a sleek stray tomcat, bringing him home against Pop's initial objections. The cat quickly becomes a beloved family member, bridging the gap between Dave and his father. The narrative expands to include Dave's friend, Tom, whose life is upended when his father abandons him and his mother. With Pop's guidance, Tom secures a job at a local flower shop and begins to rebuild his life. Tom and his girlfriend, Hilda, decide to marry and enlist in the Army to stay together, finding stability amidst their turmoil. The novel highlights the close-knit nature of the Gramercy Park community, where neighbors like Aunt Kate and the building's janitor, Butch, offer support and wisdom. A pivotal moment occurs during a family road trip to Connecticut. While stuck in traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway, the cat escapes onto the busy road. Dave bravely jumps from the moving car to rescue the animal, sacrificing the family's vacation to ensure the pet's safety. This act solidifies the cat's role as a unifying force within the family. Throughout the story, themes of adolescence, parental authority, and the redemptive power of compassion are explored. Pop learns to temper his roaring demeanor, while Dave matures through his interactions with his father and the wider community. The novel concludes with a celebration of family bonds, as Pop, Mom, Dave, Tom, and Hilda toast to the cat and the new chapter in Tom and Hilda's lives. Neville captures the specific texture of 1950s urban life, blending humor, heart, and the enduring significance of family support.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24921.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg24921.epub

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2026-07-05 12:51 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Regional Fiction
• Animals
• Friendship
• Family