Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
A Siamese only gives his heart to a human once. For Houdini, an abandoned, down-on-his luck Siamese kitten, that human is Jill Leonard. After smuggling him home on an airplane, Jill gives Houdini a good home with her other cats. It’s not long before Houdini settles into life as a loved pet. Hidden dangers abound when he inadvertently strays from home. Will Houdini ever find his way back home?
This description hardly does the book justice. Houdini is a wonderful story for adults and children, and is sure to melt the heart of any cat lover. Most of the story is told from Houdini’s perspective, and the author’s deep connection with the feline soul shows in every word. You’ll fall in love with Houdini from the very first chapter. Banks masterfully shares Houdini’s story from a cat’s point of view, from his despair at being abandoned to his joy when he meets his special person. You’ll delight in sharing Houdini’s world. His interaction with other cats, and with the humans in his life, as told from his perspective, are recounted with the sensitivity and grace you’d expect from a feline. You’ll appreciate the special relationship he shares with Jill, his person. You’ll worry for him and with him when he gets lost. You’ll find your heart in your throat as you live through the dangers he encounters as he’s trying to find his way back home.
This is not the kind of book that you’d expect to be unable to put down, but for me, it was exactly that. It’s impossible to not fall in love with this sweet cat, and you’ll find yourself nodding your head in recognition as you compare some of Houdini’s observations and personality traits to those of the felines in your life. The book is a celebration of the unconditional love between cats and their humans, as told by one very special Siamese. Four paws up for Houdini!
T.J. Banks is the author of A Time for Shadows and Catsong. Her work has appeared in numberous anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul and A Cup of Comfort for Women in Love. She lives with her daughter Marissa and their cats and rabbits in a sometimes peaceable, but always interesting kingdom in Connecticut.
I previously reviewed T.J. Bank’s book Catsong right here on The Conscious Cat. Click here to read the review.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
