Stray (novel)
 | This article consists almost entirely of a plot summary. (December 2025) |
 First edition cover | |
| Author | A. N. Wilson |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Walker Books |
| Publication date | 30 April 1987 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 176 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | 0-7445-0801-0 (paperback edition) |
| OCLC | 17265064 |
| Dewey Decimal | 823/.914 Fic 20 |
| LC Class | PR6073.I439 S77 1987 |
| Preceded by | Tabitha |
Stray is a novel by A. N. Wilson. It is a precursor to his picture book The Tabitha Stories, as it follows the life of Tabitha's father.[1] The book was published in Great Britain in 1987 by Walker Books[2] and was re-published in the United States by Orchard Books in 1989.[3] Stray is dedicated to "A.L.R," who "reserved [his] kindest comments for a cat."[4]
Plot summary
[edit]A cat named "Pufftail" (he says that he truly has no name) tells his life story to his daughter Tabitha and his grandson. He tells of his life on the streets, in a pet shop, at a convent, with a kind grandmother, and with the cruel "June and Jim," among others and says that he has three tragic parts in his life.
In chronological order, the most important events of Pufftail's life are:
- Being born
- Separated from his mum with his brother
- Being taken to a pet shop
- Being taken in by Grandma Harris, until she dies
- Being taken in by June and Jim Harbottle
- The death of his brother
- Being taken in by a convent of nuns
- Joining the gang called "The Commune"
- Being used to test a shampoo
- Meeting his "wife"
- The birth of his children
- The death of his "wife"
- Meeting his daughter, Tabitha
- The birth of his grandchildren
References
[edit]- ↑ Becker, Alida (18 March 1990). "Children's Books". The New York Times. pp. Section 7, Page 29. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
- ↑ Profumo, David (3 April 1987). "Two legs bad". Times Literary Supplement (4383): 355. Gale EX1200171279.
- ↑ "Stray". Kirkus Reviews. 15 August 1989. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ↑ Wilson, A. N. (1987). Stray. Walker Books. pp. dedication. ISBN 0-7445-0842-8.
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