Alfie the Doorstep Cat: The Sunday Times bestseller and perfect stocking filler (Alfie series, Book 1)

Nice read for cat lovers

Sweet story of a super smart cat. As a cat lover, I loved the story. Cats are far more affectionate, attached and intelligent than most people give them credit for. And did I mention, soft, cuddly and purry.... 😄Can imagine a real cat like Alfie.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a cat? If so, then this book is a must for you.Told from the perspective of the cute and cuddly Alfie the cat, the story begins with the realisationthat his elderly owner Margaret has died.Whist in Margaret's now vacant house, her daughter and partner are clearing out Margaret'sbelongings and discussing putting the house on the market. Alfie is curled up quietly whilst taking allthis in (he understands the English language perfectly). The topic moves onto the issue of what todo with Alfie, as Margaret's partner states they cannot take him in as they have dogs. The onlysolution is to place Alfie in a shelter. Alfie's ears instantly prick up as a shelter in cat language means'death row'.He quickly makes a visit to an elderly, wise neighbourly cat and explains the situation. She tells himhe has no choice but to leave and forge a life for himself in the big wide outside world. Alfie refersto himself as a 'lap cat' and the idea of leaving his only home fills him with terror but he know it is hisonly chance of survival. He returns to Margaret's home, takes one last look around and leaves.Alfie has no idea where he is headed but has this notion to cling onto that he will find a nice familywith children that will take him in.The story then tells of the dangerous scrapes, near death experiences and escapes from vicious dogsand cats he encounters.By chance Alfie meets a kindly cat who takes pity on him. When Alfie asks him where he liveshe replies that he is a doorstep cat. This means that he has several homes that he visits which allfeed him so that if anything is to happen to one owner he will never be alone as he will have other carers to ensure his well being. Alfie decides this is an excellent idea as it helps quash his fear of being alone after the death of Margaret. The kindly cat points him in the direction of the niceneighbourhood where children live and hopefully Alfie will be successful in his quest.Soon, Alfie discovers Edgar Road and decides this is the place for him.After a while of investigating the habitants of Edgar Road he decides to attempt to ingratiate himselfon a lady called Claire. Claire is sad and lonely and takes to Alfie almost immediately. Feeding him,lavishing endless affection on him, whilst constantly talking to him. Alfie feels very comfortable herebut knows he must find other neighbourhood companions as he is resolute that he will never rely onone owner ever again.What follows are how Alfie uses his wiles to affectionately works his way into three other neighbours on the street.The one thing all four residents have in common is that they are suffering from some form ofdifficulty in their lives.Due to the kindness Alfie has received from them he feels it is his duty to help solve their problems.And, cleverly, this is exactly what he does.I enjoyed this novel. I had not read anything written through the eyes of a cat. So I wasn't surewhat to expect. But to my delight I found it a lovely, touching, uplifting read without becoming toosentimental.It is a book about how lonely people, can become very dependent on the common cat, withoutrealising it.Alfie has a big heart and at times I felt like I was reading from the point of view of a mature youngchild, but then again Alfie is a young cat, so I suppose it makes sense.The lengths he will go to, to protect his owners, at almost his own sacrifice is so heart warming.It is a short novel that reads very fluently and is very hard to put down. I defy anyone to fall in lovewith Alfie.

I first read this delightful story in a library book, but enjoyed it so much that I had to get a copy of my own, as it's the kind of story to go back to and read again and again. Cat lovers will recognize the typical attitudes and antics of the feline world, from having to survive in the world to adopting multiple homes and owners. Rachel Wells' first novel is a masterpiece of weaving the vicissitudes of human lives with the wiles of cat lore and coming up with an enjoyable and inspiring tale of sorrow and joy, betrayal and faithfulness, antagonism and love.

We had Louis our local doorstep cat until we lost him to an accident about a year ago. We were devastated, as were a number of other families nearby. We knew he travelled into another road for his tinned tuna, we gave him Dreamies and he also liked to hang round outside the fish and chip shop. Louis was my best mate and liked nothing more than to be walked around on my shoulder. Always a friendy greeting with much singing when he saw me.I wonder what no. 10's Larry would tell us?

This is a story told by the cat. The beginning is quite sad and there is a part of animal cruelty near the end, but overall the story is heartwarming, interesting and inspiring. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely buy more books in the series.

I wonderful way to enter the cats world, I have a passion for all cats and know how much they help us. This book sends you on emotional roller coaster, you feel Alfie’s love, happiness and pain. Wonderfully written and a pleasure to read.