Catalogue - New Works (Ficton & non-ficton)

Tiki - Our Genet Cat
By P. O'Callaghan

Books of Zimbabwe, 1981
240 x 195mm, xi, 79pp., 49 illus., Foreward by Dr Colin Saunders, Select Bibliography, 1981.
ISBN (Lbk) 0 86920 255 3

Apart from the introductory chapter, this is essentially a pictorial presentation, with delightful and humorous captions, which unfolds the story of the rescue from a canefield in the lowveld of Rhodesia, and the raising and return to the wild of a Small Spotted Genet.

The author, Padraic O'Callaghan, and his Viennese wife Erica brought up the kitten in their house for a year, with their dog, a close friend of Tiki. They became so emotionally involved with it, and captivated by its elegance, intelligence and sense of fun that they recorded its activities in about 150 photographs of which these were selected. Being so quick in its movement, it is not an easy subject for photography, especially indoors where flash equipment was required.

However, Tiki's endearing expressions have been captured, and few readers will fail to be charmed by such pictures as "Don't call me; I'll call you."

Sadly, the O'Callaghans, who left the Triangle Sugar Estates to retire to White River in the Transvaal, South Africa, did not live to see publication of their book, having died tragically in the latter half of 1981 when it was at press. But the book will, for many years, serve as a reminder of thier compassion for a small waif of the animal kingdom and the bond of affection and trust which grew up between them.

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