The Last Journey

From the start, The Last Journey both educates and entertains the reader as it is told from the perspective of a cat, Pusskin. The author has clearly done her research and perceptively engages the reader in Pusskin's world. Elements of how cats have been seen throughout history are included and the private world of the cat is shared. For animal lovers, this will really resonate.

The relationship between pet and owner is portrayed as we learn how Pusskin feels about his owner Lottie who keeps track of him with a GPS tracker on his collar. Relationships between cats and how they manage their territory is also described well.

What seems to be a dystopian world is gradually revealed as cats are rounded up and measures taken by the government to firstly control, and eventually destroy them. As his friends are threatened, Pusskin shows his true calling and seeks a plan to save them. Their journey is fast-paced and dangerous - and a little far fetched in places - but that provides a feel-good sense and hope that things will work out in the end. Various animal and human allies are revealed which maintain the reader's engagement.

The Last Journey is not all happy and, as you might expect, there are some tense moments and sadness due to loss, but there is hope as the humans start to see sense. The environmental impact of trying to remove one part of our complex eco system is revealed, which gives much food for thought.

This is overall an enjoyable read and provides food for thought about how fragile our world is. This was especially emphasised at the end, when the author reveals her motivation for writing the story.

256 pages / Reviewed by Alice Drury

Suggested Reading Age 9+