Matthew Flinder's Cat

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

The story of a drunk, a boy, and a cat. Billy O'Shannessy, once a prominent barrister, is now on the street where he sleeps on a bench outside the State Library. Above him on the window sill rests a bronze statue of Matthew Flinders' cat, Trim. Ryan is a 10-year-old, a near-street kid heading for the usual trouble. The two form an unlikely bond. Through telling Ryan the story of Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia as seen through Trim's eyes, Billy is drawn deeply into Ryan's life and into the Sydney underworld.©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Publishing Pty. Ltd

Unusual

A novel about an alcoholic and a boy is one I would usually pass without a second glance. Fortunately, I was already a Bryce Courtenay fan. This touching novel is not to be missed. Humphrey Bower does his usual outstand job presenting each character in his/own voice. Five stars!

A whole new perspective

What a moving read. Humphrey Bower is a brilliant narrator who plays each voice and accent superbly but what an amazing writer Bryce Courtenay is. How many of us have looked at drunks, addicts and derelicts and wondered how they could ever get there? Mr Courtenay will help you understand the incredibly tough existence that a drunk, a drug addict, a derelict or child prostitute lives through and will bring you to tears on a regular basis.

This is a book that I would absolutely recommend to anyone.

Still another 5 stars for a Courtnay book

I can't seem to tear myself aways from Courtnay. Even so, I didn't think I'd be keen on the subject matter but it was a great story, even the bits about the cat. Bower is the best reader ever!

Strong Story of Child Pornograpy & Alcholism!

What did you like about this audiobook?

Not for the faint of heart! Bryce was able to weave together 2 of societies ills, the child pornography trade and alcoholism into a story that made me wince and cry and smile.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

This story really helped me understand the program that AA offers and how it helps those that are addicted.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Humphrey Bower is my favorite narrator. His voice and characterizations are spot on! No one else can evoke such laughter and tears from me.

Do you have any additional comments?

A tough subject to read about, as was his book, Jessica, but well worth your time.

Wonderful story!

This is my 6th book by this author and I will listen to more. Humphrey is an excellent voice telling the story
Bryce consistently educates and entertains to the highest standard .

Great character study.

Any additional comments?

Bryce Courtenay is one of my new favorite writers. This is the fifth of his books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. It provides an in-depth look at the life of Billie, an educated man turned homeless alcoholic. Instead of trying to avoid this character as I would on the street, I was drawn into his life and felt myself wanting to spend more time with him, to understand his addiction and wish him into recovery. His relationship with the young boy, Ryan, is at first a little hard to believe, but as the reader learns more about Billie's past, it becomes more understandable. The third main character in the book is Trim, Matthew's Flinder's cat (an historical figure), and Courtenay takes us on many adventures with Trim, as Billie shares these stories with Ryan. I found myself very interested in Trim's adventures in the beginning, but found them to be rather tedious as the story of Billie and Ryan grew and I was more interested in continuing with their story and not being interrupted with tales of Trim. Humphrey Bower is one of my all-time favorite narrators. I sometimes think he could read a shopping list and make it come alive!

Brcye Courtenay is always a good read

What made the experience of listening to Matthew Flinder's Cat the most enjoyable?

I love the way he describes real life people, with their foibles and idiosyncricies into the stories.

Emotional

Where does Matthew Flinder's Cat rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank this novel at 85% of over 700 Audible Books I have purchased. However, that is mostly meaningless because, while I am an Average Guy, it's only my personal opinion. I do not think you would be disappointed with the novel because, woven throughout a very good story, there are a few nuggets of knowledge we all can benefit from

What did you like best about this story?

A better understanding of the causes of an addictive personality.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Humphrey Bower is a great voice actor who brings to life each and every character in the story. He makes you care, very much, about them. Mr. Bower is right up there with Mr. George Guidall, who, I believe, could read the phone book and make it come alive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

In the very beginning when Billy is getting hassled by the local cop; I began to care about what was going to happen to him. That is the moment I got hooked and wanted to find out how the rest of the story developed.

Matthew Flinder's Cat

What a delightful surprise. The daily pattern of a street alcoholic is all that keeps Billy (former Barrister) together. His morning coffee, reciting poetry for mynah birds he is eliminating on the steps of the court house, the conservatory in the afternoon, and finally drink in the evening. Then Billy, meets a young lad of 11 who changes his life and makes him want to give up this life of alcohol, and help the child, too.

It does involve much of the seamier side of life, and is set in Australian, but the tale is so good. It involves Prim the cat, Billy's good friends, Mr. Williams, and other vivid caracters.

Top listening!

Rich characterisation, rich language, light hearted but serious and altogether, a good story. Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower have produced a wonderful piece of entertainment. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a book so much. Could not put this one down.