Tovey's laugh-out-loud misadventures as a first-time slave to Siamese cats are what set me on a decades-long relationship with these charming devils.

Still funny after all these years.

If you've ever been owned by a Siamese, or if you're considering mortgaging your soul to one, or even if you just enjoy reading about the antics of these critters, whose personalities are as big as their voices, you'll enjoy this tale. ( )

la storia d'amore di una coppia di mezza età con i loro gatti siamesi

2.5 stars
Only okay. I am not that into cats. (I'm allergic to their dander.) This is dated circa 1950, and it is also very English in his humor. Just not my cup of tea. ( )

They didn't like cats, but thought "a few short, sharp executions" would rid them of a burgeoning mouse population. Then follows the stories about their Siamese cats Sugieh, Sheba and Solomon. Anyone who knows cats will understand that they can communicate the most complex messages with just a look. Tovey describes this very well. Truly enjoyable. ( )

Doreen Tovey's Cats in the Belfry is a laugh-out-loud, hilarious representation of conversations with her cats and by her cats. Anyone who has ever been owned by a cat knows what it is like when a cat is really, really, REALLY trying to tell you something. Tovey manages to convey this intensity by capitalizing the words in her cats' sentences. And of course, these are Siamese cats so they are extra chatty and extra opinionated. There are also squirrels and other "family friends" that make their appearance, suggesting a couple in love with animals. Although there is not much of a plot, the British humor and the countryside atmosphere are charming. This is one of these curl-up-in-your-chair with a cup of tea and read-for-fun books. ( )