Cromwell’s Cat

Princess Fuzzypants here: I love books with unique or unusual devices. I also love books where the narrator is a cat. This book has both things. The Master of Ceremonies is Tomkins, Cromwell’s Cat, as the title says. It presents a discussion between two of the key characters in the English Civil War and the Commonwealth- Cromwell and Charles I. Tomkins keeps the conversation going as well as fielding questions and comments from a group of students who are studying that time.

As we all know, things would be much better if cats were in charge and Tomkins’ take on the events surrounding the conflicts is fascinating. It is all done with an element of cheekiness that is charming and disarming. Cromwell becomes Crumb and Charles becomes Maj as they discuss the events and the reasons behind their decisions. It provides an entirely different slant as the characters, Tomkins, Crumb and Maj, with the benefit of hindsight, look at what they might have done differently.

Not just because he is the boon companion of an extraordinary cat, Cromwell comes across as a man who wished things could have been resolved differently and was only looking for what was best for his people. Charles too comes across as someone who realizes, too late, that when opportunities for compromise and peace were presented, he acted rashly. Neither one comes off as a villain. It is both information and remarkably objective, thanks, of course, to the talented Tomkins.

It was an enjoyable read that I can recommend to any student of history with a touch of whimsy. Five purrs and two paws up.

(Thanks to Net Galley and Matador Books for a review copy).
This would be suitable for 12 to 16 year-olds interested in history or to an adult who wants a refresher course on the Civil War and the Interregnum. Tomkins is a cat who has conversations with Oliver Cromwell (or Crumwell, as Tomkins hears him pronounce it and therefore proceeds to call him Crumb) at nine critical times in Cromwell’s life from 1638 to the ninth and final chapter in 1658. (There is an appendix to explain events, which, for those uncertain of the history, might be better at the beginning)
This is an always involving conceit which pulls off a difficult challenge and Cromwell comes through as genuine and responding to, as much as leading, events.
Karen from Massachusetts is a nice 2021 touch. She adds a voice, occasionally of reason and conscience and often of scepticism, plus asking sensible questions from the Putney Debates onwards, while Maj, the King, also is part of the conversation from three days before his execution. I felt the chapter on the execution was particularly well done and the political and military dilemmas facing Crumb were thoroughly fleshed out.
Tomkins is a consistent and appealing character, and I liked his Cosmology with the Great Furry Felix, the Big Cat in the Sky.
Overall, a good 4 star read, suitable for both a teen and an adult audience.

Cromwell's Cat. When I saw this on netgalley, the inner history nerd in me freaked out, and I was super happy when my request was accepted. This book's form made it very enjoyable to read, as I loved the interactions I could have with Cromwell, though Tomkins (who is the cat from the title), with the Q&A from modern students. As always, I love some interesting dialogue, and I found this fascinating, as well as the links to the historical conversations throughout the novel. Brilliant concept, and very well executed.

My thanks to Troubadour Publishing Matador for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Cromwell’s Cat’ by John Livesey in exchange for an honest review.

The cover of this short novel states it as ‘A Whiskerleaks Publication’ and that it was: ‘Banned from publication for 350 years and now communicated in confidence to’ the author. Inside its subtitle is ‘Tomkins Tells it like it was.’ This had me smiling even before starting to read the main text.

The cat of the title is named Tomkins. He introduces himself and how he came to know Oliver Cromwell during his first life and why he is embarking on this ‘purr-and-tell’ account.

Tomkins then hosts a dialogue between himself and Cromwell (Crum), later bringing in His Majesty King Charles I (Maj), along with various 21st Century students, who have been invited by Tomkins to listen in and ask questions.

The subject for discussion was the events in England from 1638-58 during Oliver Cromwell “roller-coaster ride through English history”. As the publisher states: “Historians have argued about him and his motives ever since, but no-one’s been able to hear it from his point of view - until now. In chewing over events with his cat, Tomkins, Cromwell at last tells it like it was.”

I felt that this short novel, intended for Teen/YA readers, was an innovative way to engage with history. It was a bit like a cosmic Zoom meeting and proved both informative and funny.

I think that it would also be of interest to a wider readership who would like to read a witty cat’s perspective on history. Yes, it was whimsical and I adored it!

This book isn't for everyone, however, its a light read with a good plot. The book was humorous, and as a history nerd, I really did enjoy it!

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't get into this book. The idea of such a tumultuous period of history told from the point of view of a house cat was very intriguing, but the way the book alternated between dialogue and narration was very confusing.

This is a pretty good read. It contains some humor is can be very difficult to pull-off effectively, and it does work much of the time. As a non-YA reader, I might be too old to appreciate it as much as a young ’un. The writing style is a bit unusual too, and that also works, most of the time adds some charm. Recommended for a light read.

Thanks very much the review copy!!

*Offered an ARC for an honest review*
I was interested in this book based on the description, which offered a whimsical outlook into one of Britain's most notorious leaders. The book revolves around the interactions between Cromwell and a cat named Tomkins, who serves as our primary narrator and the only person who can tell us how Cromwell actually thinks. I think that having an animal tell the story of Cromwell was an interesting choice by the author but unfortunately fell extremely flat.

All attempts at humor floundered in the book and came off as childish. I also did not like the script/dialogue aspect of the book, which I think stopped this book from creating a whimsical setting, as now we only have the dialogue of the characters to depend on. Also, Tomkins was just really annoying. I can tell that the author was going for a cocky cat who thinks lowly of humans, but it came off as annoying and pretentious. All jokes Tomkins made at the expense of the humans, and they were just sad jokes. Cromwell did not feel like a person at all, and this man who was painted in history as someone terrifying and charismatic was reduced to a silly old man, which if anything is offensive to all the people who suffered under his rule. The history offered in the book was minimal at best, and you could save time by just googling Cromwell (which I did).

I had to DNF (did not finish) the novel halfway through because I found myself abhorring reading this book. I think that the author is extremely talented, as this was a unique idea for a story idea, but the writing style and the characterization of the narrator lead this novel to be extremely drab.

First of all, I wanted to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for letting me read this copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!!

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This was such an interesting concept for a book. It revolves around Oliver Cromwell throughout the 1600’s but from the perspective of his cat Tomkins (formerly a witches familiar). The pair stumbled across one another whilst both looking for Eels for their supper, both depressed and somewhat lost, they find that they can communicate with one another. This unprecedented event sparks a wonderful friendship between the two.

Tomkins narrates throughout the book, he’s so sassy and witty with his constant unprovoked slights and remarks. It’s writing quite like a play script (minus stage directions) which was a completely new style of reading for me, it didn’t take long to get into however.

The language used is very much in tune with what I assume was used in the 1600’s but that does make it slightly hard to follow at times. Oftentimes I got slightly lost, my eyes would trail along some of the speeches without being able to full understand or explain what was said. Despite this, I do think it’s a great addition to the book and adds to the charm.

A further aspect of the book which was very unexpected was, the ability of Tomkins to interact with readers, allowing them to ask questions to Cromwell through him. It’s such a fascinating concept and I quite enjoyed how chatty it was and the dual timelines combining to find out what happened from Cromwells recollection.

Overall, I thought this piece of writing was quite charming, although sometimes it could be a bit long. I think it would be interesting to anyone who has a fascination with Oliver Cromwell or just enjoys a book that’s witty, charming and funny. I always enjoy a quirky book like this, and who can pass up the opportunity to read something from the perspective of a cat???