Stray (novel)
Encyclopedia
Stray is a novel by A. N. Wilson
. It is a follow-up to his picture book The Tabitha Stories, as it follows the life of Tabitha's father. The book was published in Great Britain
in 1987 by Walker Books
and was re-published in the United States
by Orchard Books
in 1989. Stray is dedicated to "A.L.R," who "reserved his kindest comments for a cat."
In chronological order, the most important events of Pufftail's life are:
A. N. Wilson
Andrew Norman Wilson is an English writer and newspaper columnist, known for his critical biographies, novels, works of popular history and religious views...
. It is a follow-up to his picture book The Tabitha Stories, as it follows the life of Tabitha's father. The book was published in Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
in 1987 by Walker Books
Walker Books
Walker Books is an independent British publisher of children's books, founded in 1978 by Sebastian Walker.The success of their Where's Wally? series enabled them to expand into the American market, starting a sister company called Candlewick Press in 1991.Amelia Edwards, co-founder of Walker Books,...
and was re-published in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
by Orchard Books
Orchard books
Orchard Books is a publisher of children's books active in the US and UK.Orchard Books was founded in 1986 by Grolier, an encyclopedia publisher, as a children's publisher. Grolier was acquired by Hachette two years later...
in 1989. Stray is dedicated to "A.L.R," who "reserved his kindest comments for a cat."
Plot summary
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