If it seems strange to you that such a world classic as "Thomasina" passed you by in childhood, don't be surprised, for "Thomasina" was only first published in Russian in 1991. The reason is clear: it contains a great many musings on faith and God, which could not be cut because, without them, the entire book would have lost its meaning. However, if such topics are not close to your heart, do not be in a hurry to forgo reading this wonderful novella: these musings are philosophical rather than religious in nature; they are about faith, hope, and love. It preaches goodness without any attempt at religious proselytizing.
Thomasina the cat has her seven-year-old girl, Mary-Rua. Mary-Rua has Thomasina the cat and a veterinarian father. The veterinarian father has no wife; she died, thereby leaving her husband, Andrew, deeply unhappy. His profession brings him no joy either: he dreamed of becoming a surgeon, but became a veterinarian instead. He treats animals poorly, does not pity them, and puts them to sleep without a second thought. He loves his daughter, of that there is no doubt, but without sentimentality—he doesn't show his feelings more than necessary. And he only tolerates the cat in the house for his daughter's sake. That is the family: father Andrew, little Mary-Rua, and Thomasina the cat. Together with love and without love all at once. One day, the cat is injured, and the veterinarian, without a moment's hesitation, puts her to sleep. Mary-Rua falls ill, unable to bear, first, the death of her friend and, second, such a betrayal by her father. She falls seriously and gravely ill. This forces the father to reexamine his views on life.
There is also a romantic subplot here. Not far from town, in the woods, lives a woman who has a reputation as a healer. She is not a doctor, but sick animals flock to her on their own and soon recover. At first, this is terribly irritating to our veterinarian, but then, the little house in the woods begins to pull him in irresistibly as well...
This novella is brimming with love—it overflows: for children and adults, for animals, and for the world in general. There is also a lot of pain, both emotional and physical suffering. What is not there, however, is sentimentality or anything superficial—the events, characters, and experiences are portrayed with a psychological depth one would not expect from a children's book. And although you worry very, very much for the characters until the very end, all the main characters survive. That is to say, literally everyone, although until you finish reading, it is hard to believe. Therefore, this book is suitable for any reader, including those with sensitive souls.
"Thomasina" by Paul Gallico is for all animal lovers in general and cat lovers in particular; for lovers of profound works of fiction and connoisseurs of good literature from the age of 10 and up.
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