The Last Free Cat by Jon BlakeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
“The Last Free Cat” is a simultaneously heartwarming yet horrifying tale of a dystopian society I hope I never see come to pass. Ruled by multinational corporations (by the time the book begins, it’s primarily a sole multinational), rebellion means overthrowing the Corporate Giants (as occurs in Ireland). Rebellion can also mean keeping an unlicensed, unregistered feline (as does our narrator, Jade). Cats allegedly caused a serious, fatal, outbreak of flu, which had only been confined due to the sharp research skills of scientists. Now only registered cats are allowed, and those of course are bred by the Multinational in power.
When Jade and her mother discover an uncollared (therefore unregistered) kitten in their garden, they immediately know they should report it to the authorities; but in a spirit of justice, they take the cat in. Eventually someone clues the authorities, who raid the house, and the ensuing excitement is too much for Jade’s mother, who has a weak heart. Next, Jade and the cat Feela are on the run; but where can they go? Where is escape?
Readers will be riveted. Although this book is aimed at younger readers, believe me, adults will find it fascinating too; and one needn’t be a cat lover, or even a pet lover, to enjoy it. Author Jon Blake has a lot of lessons to deliver about this horrid society, just as did George Orwell in “1984.”
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