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Norton the Cat #2
Een kat in Zuid-Frankrijk
De avonturen van de kat van een Amerikaanse uitgever in Europa.
251 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 9, 2014
“A Cat Abroad” is the 2nd book of a trilogy. I have read all 3 books, recently finishing the last one.
What can I say? I loved all 3 books, each in its own way. This trilogy is not only a story about a remarkable cat. It is more than that. It is a humorous memoir, which will make you laugh (and sometimes cry). It is also a very entertaining travelogue, telling about interesting places with great food and wine, places the average person rarely gets to visit and usually just dreams about. First and foremost, however, this trilogy is a love story, no not between a man and a woman, but between a man and his cat. It is a love story so big that Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has trouble to compete with it.
“A Cat Abroad” can be read alone, but I recommend reading book 1 of the trilogy, “The Cat Who Went to Paris”, first. Book 1 tells about how the author, a young bachelor, who shied away from any commitment, for whom the word “love” was, more or less, equivalent with the word “sex”, and who clearly disliked cats, came to be the dedicated and loving owner of a cat, or rather the dedicated and loving human, owned by a cat. The tiny handful of a kitten his, then, girlfriend presented him with was a love at first sight and raised all fatherly instincts that had been sleeping in the depth of the author’s soul.
As to “The Cat Who Went to Paris”: As much as I loved this book, it, at times, made my hair stand up straight. Only a man (or should I say a bachelor without female supervision :-)) could get the idea to leave his cat by a hotel swimming pool while teaching a workshop, or let his cat out of a hotel room window to venture over the roofs of Paris. And only a man would feed his cat (not solely, yet on a regular basis), whatever he himself is eating, be it gourmet food including such things as champagne sauce, be it ordinary pizza, or be it chocolate ice cream. Men!
In book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, the author has somewhat matured. He is now in a meaningful, long-term relationship with a female human. Even though the two of them keep their own apartments in New York, they decide on spending a year in a remote village of southern France, sharing a rented house, from where the family of three (that is, the two humans and Norton, the cat) venture out for trips to Italy and Spain. “A Cat Abroad” is a sheer delight for anyone who is interested in historic places and different cultures (including their food and wine), no matter whether or not he or she is a particular cat lover. (However, I’ll bet that most readers will, by this time, have fallen in love with Norton, the very special cat.) And during “Cat Abroad”, my hair stood up straight only every once in a while, as I had, meanwhile, come to trust Norton not to get lost where just about every other cat would have. I did, however, continue to worry about Norton’s diet.
And if you are as enchanted with “A Cat Abroad” (and “The Cat Who Went to Paris”) as I was, you will probably want to read book 3, “The Cat Who’ll Live Forever”, in which you will learn, as you might have guessed, that cats, unfortunately, do not live forever, at least, not in flesh and blood. Book 3 is quite different from books 1 and 2., and it is a bit sad, as you also might have guessed. Nevertheless, it would be quite a pity if one missed this book. It is definitely worth reading, and I am glad I read it.
I found it difficult to decide which book of the trilogy I enjoyed the most. I think it was book 2, "A Cat Abroad".
What can I say? I loved all 3 books, each in its own way. This trilogy is not only a story about a remarkable cat. It is more than that. It is a humorous memoir, which will make you laugh (and sometimes cry). It is also a very entertaining travelogue, telling about interesting places with great food and wine, places the average person rarely gets to visit and usually just dreams about. First and foremost, however, this trilogy is a love story, no not between a man and a woman, but between a man and his cat. It is a love story so big that Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has trouble to compete with it.
“A Cat Abroad” can be read alone, but I recommend reading book 1 of the trilogy, “The Cat Who Went to Paris”, first. Book 1 tells about how the author, a young bachelor, who shied away from any commitment, for whom the word “love” was, more or less, equivalent with the word “sex”, and who clearly disliked cats, came to be the dedicated and loving owner of a cat, or rather the dedicated and loving human, owned by a cat. The tiny handful of a kitten his, then, girlfriend presented him with was a love at first sight and raised all fatherly instincts that had been sleeping in the depth of the author’s soul.
As to “The Cat Who Went to Paris”: As much as I loved this book, it, at times, made my hair stand up straight. Only a man (or should I say a bachelor without female supervision :-)) could get the idea to leave his cat by a hotel swimming pool while teaching a workshop, or let his cat out of a hotel room window to venture over the roofs of Paris. And only a man would feed his cat (not solely, yet on a regular basis), whatever he himself is eating, be it gourmet food including such things as champagne sauce, be it ordinary pizza, or be it chocolate ice cream. Men!
In book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, the author has somewhat matured. He is now in a meaningful, long-term relationship with a female human. Even though the two of them keep their own apartments in New York, they decide on spending a year in a remote village of southern France, sharing a rented house, from where the family of three (that is, the two humans and Norton, the cat) venture out for trips to Italy and Spain. “A Cat Abroad” is a sheer delight for anyone who is interested in historic places and different cultures (including their food and wine), no matter whether or not he or she is a particular cat lover. (However, I’ll bet that most readers will, by this time, have fallen in love with Norton, the very special cat.) And during “Cat Abroad”, my hair stood up straight only every once in a while, as I had, meanwhile, come to trust Norton not to get lost where just about every other cat would have. I did, however, continue to worry about Norton’s diet.
And if you are as enchanted with “A Cat Abroad” (and “The Cat Who Went to Paris”) as I was, you will probably want to read book 3, “The Cat Who’ll Live Forever”, in which you will learn, as you might have guessed, that cats, unfortunately, do not live forever, at least, not in flesh and blood. Book 3 is quite different from books 1 and 2., and it is a bit sad, as you also might have guessed. Nevertheless, it would be quite a pity if one missed this book. It is definitely worth reading, and I am glad I read it.
I found it difficult to decide which book of the trilogy I enjoyed the most. I think it was book 2, "A Cat Abroad".
February 8, 2025
Heel leuk boek over een kat, Norton, die met zijn baasje en diens vriendin naar de Provence trekt voor een jaar. De auteur beschrijft op een heel levendige manier de avonturen die de kat meemaakt. Eigenlijk schrijft hij zo goed dat hij van elke situatie een avontuur weet te maken! Dit maakt het zeer aangename en vlotte lectuur, een plezier om te lezen!
April 4, 2023
Another charming book about life and adventures with Norton. Based on the title I’m fairly certain Norton dies during the course of the next book. I recently lost one of my two bonded codependent cats so I may have to hold off a little bit before reading the final book.
February 20, 2018
Another charming book about Norton, the Scottish Fold, who is quite the cat. I think I liked the first one a bit more, but this is about Peter and his girlfriend's year in Provence with Norton. They had a really nice time. I'm envious.
If you go to buy a copy, I'll mention that when I looked at Thriftbooks, for a dollar more I got the omnibus hardback with The Cat Who Went to Paris, and I'm sure I'll reread that one sometime. You do know about Thriftbooks, right? http://www.thriftbooks.com
The real review to read is Lilo's, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you go to buy a copy, I'll mention that when I looked at Thriftbooks, for a dollar more I got the omnibus hardback with The Cat Who Went to Paris, and I'm sure I'll reread that one sometime. You do know about Thriftbooks, right? http://www.thriftbooks.com
The real review to read is Lilo's, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 12, 2025
Grabbed this from aunt Kathy’s bookshelf and it did not disappoint. I had a smile on my face while reading and giggled through the whole thing. I think my next vacation needs to be in the south of France!!! Def need to read the other 2 books in this series :’) love u Norton & Peter
March 29, 2020
It was cute and fun, and it made for a nice escape. That's just what I needed today.
September 24, 2010
I did not immediately fall in love with this one as I did with The Cat Who Went to Paris. I did, of course, love Norton. This book read more like a collection of travel essays where a cat just happens to tag along. I do love travel essays, though, and since I have been dreaming for a long while that I might someday live in France for six months (and take many, if not all, of the side trips that Mr. Gethers, Janis, and Norton took), it was not wasted on me; it just took me a lot longer to read. It became more of a reference on how I might bring Ms. Kitty along for the ride, and reference always feels dry and slow.
I am bracing myself for The Cat Who'll Live Forever: The Final Adventures of Norton, the Perfect Cat, and His Imperfect Human, because I am not ready for Norton to be gone. As Mr. Gethers describes at the end of this one, grief is not for the one you lost, but for oneself and the ones you know you will someday lose. Ms. Kitty is 7 years old now, and the thought of losing her absolutely paralyzes me. The Cat Who'll Live Forever: The Final Adventures of Norton, the Perfect Cat, and His Imperfect Human is definitely going to be a books to read 1) at home, 2) possibly out loud to Ms. Kitty, as I did with The Cat Who Went to Paris. We're both a little busy these days, though, so it might take a while to synch our schedules long enough to finish.
I am bracing myself for The Cat Who'll Live Forever: The Final Adventures of Norton, the Perfect Cat, and His Imperfect Human, because I am not ready for Norton to be gone. As Mr. Gethers describes at the end of this one, grief is not for the one you lost, but for oneself and the ones you know you will someday lose. Ms. Kitty is 7 years old now, and the thought of losing her absolutely paralyzes me. The Cat Who'll Live Forever: The Final Adventures of Norton, the Perfect Cat, and His Imperfect Human is definitely going to be a books to read 1) at home, 2) possibly out loud to Ms. Kitty, as I did with The Cat Who Went to Paris. We're both a little busy these days, though, so it might take a while to synch our schedules long enough to finish.
October 10, 2012
I have read a number of books about the adventures of cats and enjoyed them all. This was no exception. This little scottish fold is quite a remarkable cat. I have had the good fortune to have these wonderful animals in my life and am always amazed at their intelligence, warmth and caring. I also read the first book, The Cat That Went To Paris. Granted these stories are not the stuff of the "Classics", however they will warm your heart and soul, something we could all use a little of.
August 21, 2007
Basically the same The Cat Who Went to Paris....just charming. I have the third book in the trilogy, (the Final Adventures of Norton) but every time I attempted to read the first page I would cry so as Sherri would say "I gently put it on its shelf" where it will live, probably unread, next to the first two Norton books.
September 27, 2009
No need to rely on Grandma for this one: I snapped it up as soon as I discovered there was a sequel to The Cat Who Went to Paris. While Norton naturally is the star of this particular show, A Cat Abroad was excellent for its descriptions of France and the author's experiences as a year-long resident. Through Gethers' eyes, I fell in love with a French countryside I'd never seen (and still have never seen; I haven't been farther than Paris), a French lifestyle I've never experienced; and the FOOD! Gethers is a foodie of the first degree, and his loving descriptions of the perfect hunk of goat cheese at the market (sold by an ancient crone at the market and enough to knock the hardiest cheese-lover on their ass) or a meal which features truffles and only truffles, are enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Norton settles into French life with remarkable aplomb; there is nothing particularly new about his way of winning over everyone he sees, but it's still charming to read. Again, it's funny, and heartwarming, and witty -- one of those "feel-good" books that doesn't delve into sentimentality or mush.
Norton settles into French life with remarkable aplomb; there is nothing particularly new about his way of winning over everyone he sees, but it's still charming to read. Again, it's funny, and heartwarming, and witty -- one of those "feel-good" books that doesn't delve into sentimentality or mush.
Read
December 24, 2014This is, I believe, the first book I have giving no rating to. I couldn't even bring myself to give it one star. I was expecting a witty book about an interesting, clever and adorably cute cat. What I got was a series of dull anecdotes about various meals, lots of references that only Americans would understand, several xenophobic comments and countless loud clangs resulting from the huge amount of name-dropping Gethers indulges in.
Gethers found it hilarious that the Japanese translator of his first book (called A Cat Called Norton in the UK) had to ask several questions. Here's some news for him - a lot of people in Britain also have no idea who Willie Davis, Willie Wilson, Willie Mays, Roger Staubach or the Seven Santini brothers are. The UK publisher and editor also did a poor job, as England and America are indeed two countries separated by a common language. My teeth grated at every mention of 'driving a stick shift', and the several other Americanisations in the book.
But it was mostly Gethers' self-indulgence that made me hate this book.
Gethers found it hilarious that the Japanese translator of his first book (called A Cat Called Norton in the UK) had to ask several questions. Here's some news for him - a lot of people in Britain also have no idea who Willie Davis, Willie Wilson, Willie Mays, Roger Staubach or the Seven Santini brothers are. The UK publisher and editor also did a poor job, as England and America are indeed two countries separated by a common language. My teeth grated at every mention of 'driving a stick shift', and the several other Americanisations in the book.
But it was mostly Gethers' self-indulgence that made me hate this book.
March 3, 2008
caveat lector! Be warned that my usual stringent standards do not apply to books about cats. Unless the cat in question is homicidal, or unusually scrofulous, a minimum 4-star review is pretty much guaranteed.
Norton, the hero of this particular book, is demonstrably cute, with a peculiarly flat skull, which helps to make him the cutest widdle kitty-cat in the whole wide world. yeah, the writing is appallingly cutesy-poo in places, but whaddya expect buster? It's a freakin' catbook.
Norton, the hero of this particular book, is demonstrably cute, with a peculiarly flat skull, which helps to make him the cutest widdle kitty-cat in the whole wide world. yeah, the writing is appallingly cutesy-poo in places, but whaddya expect buster? It's a freakin' catbook.
April 29, 2013
Took this with me on my trip down to my hometown earlier this month. It goes without saying I am a cat book addict and this one really appealed to me.
Norton - such a cutie and reading about his travels made me smile from ear to ear. I got just as much enjoyment reading about their travels and experiences of living in another country for a year.
Will be searching out the other Norton books.
Norton - such a cutie and reading about his travels made me smile from ear to ear. I got just as much enjoyment reading about their travels and experiences of living in another country for a year.
Will be searching out the other Norton books.
May 22, 2009
I had to read the 2nd book soon after I read the first. I thought it was as good or better since they were living in France and it's something I'd love to do, even for a little while. Norton is still adorable as ever and Peter could still entertain me with his writing. Awesome and quick + fun read!!!
April 25, 2010
this book felt like a later draft; some anecdotes were unnecessary, and many transitions were sloppy. i also should probably have read the first book first (although at the time i didn't know there was a first book).
regardless... norton is a wonder cat. *grin* the book was generally cute and funny, and renewed my desire for a scottish fold kitten and a little house in provence.
regardless... norton is a wonder cat. *grin* the book was generally cute and funny, and renewed my desire for a scottish fold kitten and a little house in provence.
September 8, 2012
Another great installment from the Norton series (and yes, I've read this more than a few times) but I'm still in my 'love my cute new kitten & must read cat books' mode! So there it is. If you love cats, you'll love the true tales of Norton and his human, Peter Gethers. Totally heartwarming and an easy, entertaining read.
August 22, 2008
The sequel to "The Cat Who Went to Paris" was cute and entertaining. I felt it was more a book about Paris than about the cat, though. It was interesting to see what life in Paris was like for the author. It was hard to believe that cats are allowed in restaurants there.
June 23, 2013
I really loved this book although it didn't quite have that same appeal as the first book. I felt that it was somewhat slow going but that could be because I have so many distractions. Overall, I think I'd recommend this to anyone who loves cats. This will be in my pc because it was so good.
June 28, 2012
Much better than the first book, which was good, but the author (and the copious now-outdated cultural references) kept getting in the way of Norton. There seems to be a lot more humility in this book and with a backdrop of the south of France, how can you go wrong?
October 5, 2008
I got up the nerve to read this one...and I guess I'll read the final in the series at some point. Very sweet and fun read. The author and the cat are very cute!
April 12, 2010
Almost as much fun to read as The Cat Who Went to Paris. I don't even really like cats, but I love Norton!
July 17, 2010
Such fun! Peter Gethers has a great "voice" and it's clear he adores Norton - and who could not?
July 6, 2011
I'm actually re-reading this. I own a copy somewhere, but I'm too lazy to dig it out of the boxes of books upstairs. I loved it years ago though, and I'm a little excited to start again.
August 25, 2011
Funny cat and funny owner...great descriptions of food in France.
April 15, 2013
Another good Norton book.
March 13, 2017
As expected Norton was a fun book to read. It's an ideal book if you just want to relax. Like a good sitcom you can watch for hours. Norton is an amazing creature!
January 25, 2013
A worthy follow-up, with great descriptions of living in France.
April 8, 2013
I WANT TO BE THIS CAT IN MY OTHER LIFE!
July 21, 2013
The adventures keep going as Norton continues his international travels...
November 5, 2013
Quick and easy read. Good follow-up to The Cat Who Went to Paris.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews