Forest

A Journey from the Wild

By: Sonya Hartnett

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Kian, a cossetted suburban cat, is snatched from his comforts and dumped in the bush along with two kittens, Cally and Jem. The greatest threat to their survival are other cats, ferals who fiercely guard their territories. Kian survives some unnerving and vicious encounters but is unswerving in his desire to make the long journey home to his territory even though it is apparent his owner is dead and that there will be no welcome from the cruel man who has taken over the house. Hartnett's creation of the cat's point of view and her sensuous depiction of the forest is exceptional in its imagination, beauty and truth.

&$169;2003 Sonya Hartnett; (P)2003 Bolinda Publishing Pty. Ltd.

Critic reviews

"Sonya Hartnett is creating new literary territory." (Australian Book Review)

PG needed think

It took me a while to get into the story but once there I was captivated. The personalities of the cats were well developed and entirely believable. I too didn't realise it was a children's book when I bought it but there were aspects of the story and concepts that would take a bit of maturity to understand. This is especially true of the ending.

Australian gem

The narrator delivers an exquisite and memorable performance of this well-written, believable, and fascinating story of urban cats abandoned in the forest amid ferals. Each of the cats are distinct not anthropomorphized with admirable and delectable, sometimes detestable, feline qualities. The descriptions of the Australian fauna and flora round out this highly satisfying book.

Powerful

I bought this book expecting it to be "interesting." When it began playing, it was announced to be a children's book, which put me off for a moment. It didn't take long for me to be pulled into this book though, Carolyn Lee is a mesmerizing reader. Many times I was on the edge of my seat, worried about what would happen next. I loved this book, was ready to give it 5 stars, until I realized there was only 20 minutes left. I got angrier as I listened to the end. If this was supposed to be a children's book, it should have a different ending. I do know the ending was very true to life - that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Next week I will contact an attorney and get a will drawn up that provides for my cats.

If you love cats, don't read this book

Would you try another book from Sonya Hartnett and/or Caroline Lee?

Caroline Lee? Yes.
Sonya Hartnett? No chance.

What about Caroline Lee’s performance did you like?

She did an excellent job of narration.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Forest?

The hunters.

Any additional comments?

I wish someone had warned me.

Expected better

You have to really love cats. I don't. Expected more than the "Incredible Journey" re-do.

Awful, Do not read if you like cats

I wish I had never read this book. Some parts still make me sick thinking about them. If you are a cat lover, do not waste your time with this hot garbage. There are many other cat-centered books to enjoy. Stay far away from this book.