If you're new to Bryce Courtenay or are wishing to read a brilliant novel then look no further.
Matthew Flinders' Cat focuses on Bill O'Shannessy, a well-known lawyer who loses a big case and then finds himself drawn into homelessness and alcoholism after the case and the death of his son. He forms an unlikely friendship with Ryan, a truant boy whose mother is a drug addict and exotic dancer. He keeps his sanity throughout the story through the hope he sees in the mature and intelligence of Ryan who he entertains by stories of Matthew Flinders' cat – Trim, who accompanied him while he circumnavigated the Australian coastline.
I won't give too much away on the story but it touches on realistic struggles faced by everyone in their lives both on the physical and emotional. Along the story, various topics are brought into the spotlight such as racism, pedophilia, substance abuse, corruption and death. As much as these topics are negative and perverse, the story is exceptionally well written by Bryce and the novel never seems dull or uninteresting. There are a few plot twists but nothing that takes the powerful realism into fantasy. I sincerely recommend everyone picks this up whether they are new or familiar to Bryce Courtney's work!
