Inspired by a true story, this is the fictional reimagining of ‘Able Seacat’ Simon’s adventures and heroics in dangerous wartime seas.
Simon is discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 and smuggled on board the H.M.S by a British sailor who takes pity on the malnourished kitten. The young cat quickly acclimates to his new water-borne home, establishing himself as the chief rat-catcher in residence while also winning the hearts of the entire crew.
Then the is ordered to sail up the Yangtze to take over the guarding of the British Embassy, and tragedy strikes as the ship comes under fire from Communist guns. Many of the crew are killed and Simon is among those who are seriously wounded. Luckily, with the help of the ship’s doctor, the brave cat makes a full recovery and is soon spending time with the injured men in the sick bay, purring and keeping their spirits up. News of Simon’s heroism spreads and he becomes famous world-wide – but it is still a long journey back to England for both the crew and the plucky little cat known as ‘Able Seacat Simon’…
Lynne Barrett-Lee is a successful novelist and ghostwriter with several bestselling titles to her name, including the Julie Shaw series of gritty Bradford-based dramas, and the global bestseller , which has been translated into 26 languages. Her recent bestseller, has recently been adapted for children. When not busy writing books, Lynne runs a novel writing course at Cardiff University, and pens a weekly column for . To find out more about Lynne and her books, visit .
ReviewAbout the Author‘The story of plucky orphaned kitten Simon, rescued from the docks of Hong Kong in 1948 to join the crew of HMS , cannot fail to warm the cockles of even the coldest heart… Barrett Lee brilliantly reimagines the trials and tribulations of life on board through the eyes of her feline protagonist… painstakingly researched, this is more than a heart warming animal story: it is also an inspiration and an informative tale. This is great historical fiction – and a must for any cat lover’ ()
‘During the 1949 Yangtse Incident, HMS lost 22 crew and was trapped for three months before escaping. Also on board was a kitten adopted in Hong Kong by an sailor. This is Able Seacat Simon’s nail biting story’ ()
‘Heartwarming’ ()
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