Secret Life of Thomas Bradford by Anne Knoll

A story for all cat fanciers and humans whose kittens allow them to share their lives.
Thomas Bradford is a Persian/Siamese odd-eyed white kitten who not only thinks that he is human, but believes that he is a king. This is his story and the story of Dash Collins, a handsome, self-centered young college man (Thomas’ alter ego) who has similar illusions of glory. Each character sets out on his glory-path, and, through a series of comical and heartbreaking adventures, grows into understanding that kind hearts are more valuable than coronets.
Animal and human characters interact in this novel about feelings and values. At first, Thomas believes that he is better than a house cat, indeed better than the people he meets along his runaway road to greatness. But each adventure gives him insight. Marcie, The Blue Lady, Hungry Joe, Sheba, Sister Fat and Sister Tall are all memorable, even zany, and add to Thomas’ understanding of life. Ultimately his quest for greatness changes to a search and retracing of his path back to the love and warmth of his owners. The adventurous seaman Dash also forays into unknown waters and experiences. His past is forgotten. But as he yearns to retrieve it, he learns and returns to value most simple love and compassion.
The pleasing format of the novel comes full-circle in time and place, and human and cat characterization are marvelous. The angles of the storyteller’s viewpoint when speaking as Thomas in viewing the human world and when speaking as Dash are deftly aimed.

This is Anne Knoll’s fifth novel, a departure from the adult gothics and short stories for which she is known. She lives with her husband and a portly black and white cat in Baltimore, Maryland.