Cleo: How an Uppity Cat Helped Heal a Family
Brown, HelenCleo, an Abyssinian kitten, becomes a member of the Brown household not long after nine year old Sam dies in a road accident. Over the next 23 years, Cleo is an integral part of the family's journey through grief and beyond. Whether you are a cat lover or not, this warm hearted story of love and loss is a delightful read.
Comments from Groups
A memoir of one's healing - very compelling reading. Tauranga 032 We thought Helen shared the story with honesty and joy and humility. there is an ongoing all-pervasive spiritually in the book of the relationships, and depths of those relationships. Christchurch 243 We enjoyed the writing style and had several discussions about issues raised - the influence of animals on families, the ill and dying, dealing with tragedies etc. Ashburton 003 We loved the local (Wellington and Auckland) flavour, the raw self-deprecating voice, and it kicked off a lively sharing of our own pet and grief/recovery stories. Lower Hutt 006All enjoyed the book and a good talk about our own animals followed. Invercargill 015Everyone had a different opinion about cats vs dogs and grief vs moving on. Very stimulating conversation. Easy read. Cromwell 002 A well-liked book-amusing too. Tragic beginning. A big discussion - it made us pause (paws!) for thought. Cambridge 005Thoroughly enjoyed this book. All agreed `death` was so openly shared and discussed. Animals do play a huge role in helping with grief. 10/10. Te Pirita 001
Pages
286
286
Year
2009
2009
Reviews
12-10-2022
We found this an easy read, but a little mundane. Those who knew the area found it increased their enjoyment.
25-08-2021
Most loved the author's style of writing, and were hooked into the way the cat chose its family.
16-10-2019
Very interesting and at times hilarious discussion. A couple in our group didnt like this book at all. One lady wouldve had the cat put down. The majority of us enjoyed the light read and those who had suffered a loss agreed with the power of healing that animals have had for them .
19-11-2018
Most thought the book was ok, but did think the book dragged on a bit. Most felt that a few of the events were slightly exaggerated. We did think that dogs and cats can be very important parts of families, and do play an important role, but this book wouldn't be one we'd hugely recommend to a person dealing with grief. An average book.
19-11-2018
Everyone enjoyed the book. It made us laugh, cry and think. It was a journey with the cat interwoven in the story. It inspired us to share our pet stories and our own losses, , and our own experiences of being a mother. The cat and Helen both matured and aged together.
19-11-2018
We all absolutely LOVED this book. A delightful read about loss, love and a very special cat.
19-11-2018
Most members had been regular readers of Helen Brown's column, so were familiar with her writing. We enjoyed renewing our acquaintance with her, and sharing some of our own experiences with animals, and as a result our meeting lasted longer.
19-11-2018
Most of the group enjoyed the book, thought it was well-written and very descriptive. It dealt with a sensitive subject well, without becoming too morose. We felt it would assist someone who had lost a family member, and we discussed how an animal could heal and spread love.
19-11-2018
A very thought provoking book. It created much discussion about grief and cats. We all enjoyed it.
19-11-2018
All but one member really enjoyed this book. Very sad but so well-written, and with humour to 'lighten' the sadness. Lots of discussion about how we behave towards people experiencing grief. It is an individual thing and different for everyone. Overall we loved the style of writing and wonderful descriptions.