Thomasina Paperback – January 1, 2011

I've had and re-watched the Walt Disney movie of this book over sixty years, but never read the book until recently. The story embedded itself into my memory as a child and now as an adult author of children's books about animals, I remain entranced with Gallico's writing. Both the movie and the book are excellent, and I can recommend them to modern children whose parents are seeking lightness, good manners, and appropriate reading lessons for today's children--as opposed to the stream of dark, dystopian tales that seem the mainstream these days. This sweet story will teach how cats see their world and bring about quality humane education in young, impressionable minds. Thomasina is a classic piece of literature that has survived the ages. I hold Gallico as a roll-model author and would be honored to join his rank myself someday, along with my own animal characters. His writing sets high standards for us all.

This is such a beautiful story. I'd seen andloved the Disney film way back when, but this book so sweetly discusses death, grief, and the power of love. The wisdom of the minister, Mr. Peddie, with his interpretation of God is very profound. I highly recommend this book!

Amazing book to teach compassion and care for others and animals! And, to get to know before you judge!

Not surprisingly, there is a lot more here than one finds in the Disney movie, The Three Lives of Thomasina. Some genuine surprises, too.Having been published in 1957, the language is a bit florid and verbose by today's standards but readable despite the difficulties I have with the omniscient narrator voice, of which much of the book is composed. (The author does appear to be addicted to using the word "truculent".) The more-enjoyable parts of the story are told from the cat's point of view, and the author did an admirable job in setting down her personality without being too cutesy.It seems to be aimed at the Young Adult readership, though the copy I read was not labeled as such. And there is more questioning of the nature of god and love than I would expect for that market. Also, the conclusions about these that some characters arrive at are directly contradicted by others--which may, after all, have been the author's point.

This is a story of love and redemption written by Paul Gallico.Thomasina (the cat) narrates most parts of the story of a little girl named Mary Rudah and her father Andrew, who is a widower and the veterinarian in a small Scottish town. When Thomasina becomes ill, Andrew callously puts aside his daughter's begging to help her beloved kitty and orders it destroyed.To Mary, Thomasina is more than a pet - she is her special friend and the loss is traumatic. But Thomasina is not actually dead - she is found by "Mad Lori" - a shy, young woman who is more comfortable with animals than she is with people.If you have seen the movie "Thomasina", this is the book the movie was based upon - and it is better (if possible) than the movie.I'll be honest here - I've been trying to track down this book for many years - it was well worth the hunt!!The Three Lives of ThomasinaThe AbandonedJennie

When I started this story, I thought it would be too whimsical. Within two chapters, I was totally hooked and couldn't turn the pages quick enough. This story about a cat called Thomasina, as told by both her and others is just a breath of fresh air. A nasty, non caring vet, is quick to euthanize his daughter`s cat. The local kids are quick to bury it the same day. A lone woman seeing this happen, digs it up again. I will not tell more, for fear of telling too much, but recommend this to all animal lovers. As a non religious reader, this book, this book touches on the subject, but does not try to convert, only makes you think about it and nature. Only negative I have, is the ending is rushed, with no answers as to what happens to all the other animals.

Couldn't put it down. Once I started, I took the rest of the day off and read this wonderful book to the end. It's easy to see why it was made into a Disney movie, however I would rather reread the book than ever watch a movie adapted from it.

Ever read a story from the point of view of a cat? This is your chance. This, like many of Paul Gallico's stories, was made into a film starring Patrick McGoohan as the Veterinarian who is trying to raise a daughter on his own after his wife passes. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on this, follow up with the Man who was magic, Ms. 'arris goes to Paris, The Boy who invented the Bubble Gun, The Poseidon Adventure, oh, so many stories, so little time!

Awesome!!! When I was 6 years old....so ecstatic I found it again and 59 years old.WOW

Nice imagination fiction

Hard to find books like this these days, great reading, great price ! The seller sent it fast, and with quality.

Just as good now as it was when I first read it as a kidIt never fails to make me cry, but don't worry it all ends wellI still have my now battered old paperback too , and I just bought a new reissue copy for my cat loving niece to continue the magicAlso made into a pretty average Disney movie(And to think this guy also wrote The Snow Goose AND The Poseidon Adventure)

I have recently bought several copies of "Thomasina", one for myself and the other for friends and family. I had forgotten how brilliantly Paul Gallico writes and rediscovering his magic later in life has been a real eye opener. Not only does the story move at a engaging pace, but the quality of the written English is something you don't see too often in novels nowadays. The characters are so well defined you can picture them and their manerisms very clearly; the obnoxious and angry Mr. MacDhui, the sensitive and lonely Mary; the sweet natured clergyman and Thomasina herself. The Mad Witch Lori, who is northing of the sort, is sweetness defined and her relationship with all animals, especially those injured or sad, is entrancing. Having lived in Scotland in my childhood, and visited many times in later life, the evocative descriptions of the countryside and lochs revive many happy memories. I would recommend this book to all ages. One of the most beautiful novels I have ever read.