NOVEL SPM - Catch Us If You Can

A SYNOPSIS

Rory and his grandfather, Granda, have looked after each other since Rory’s dad walked out on them. Granda is given to lapses in memory (putting Rory’s homework down the rubbish chute and the rubbish in Rory’s school bag) and completely irresponsible behaviour (setting fire to his coat at a Parents’ Evening), but he has a generous heart and plenty of charm. Rory acts as his carer until there is a fire in the flat and the authorities decide to separate them. However, Rory is determined that they will stay together and they embark on an escape but with their faces on every television screen and in every newspaper, this is not so easy. Their journey is full of surprise betrayals and unexpected friends as they attempt to evade the authorities and eventually track down the man who walked out on them.

PLOT SUMMARY

Chapter 1

Readers are introduced to Rory and his Granda as they wait for Dr Nicol in the waiting room.The doctor is concerned that Rory is too young to take care of his grandfather. However,Rory is aware that there are only two of them in the family.

Chapter 2

Granda has a failing memory; always misplacing things. Rory has the sole responsibility of taking care of Granda like buying him his lunch every day.

Chapter 3

Rory sacrifices some of the things he likes for Granda. He gives up football so that he can be at home with his Granda. Rory’s worry is that if Granda is put into Rachnadar, they would e separated. Rory’s dad had left them many years ago and Granda is very disappointed with his son, not wanting to see him again.

Chapter 4

Granda is very popular with Rory’s friends and meets Mrs. Foley for the first time. Granda accidentally sets fire to his and Mrs. Foley’s coats at the school’s Parents’ Night.

Chapter 5

Val Jessup, a social worker is assigned to take care of Granda and Rory. Darren’s mum and Mrs. Foley are both worried for Rory and are glad of the extra help they were going to receive. However, Granda has a little accident in the flat and is taken to the hospital.

Chapter 6

Granda has suffered from smoke inhalation and has to be hospitalised. Rory pleads to the Big Man to make Granda wake up. Val Jessup is nervous to let Rory live in the flat alone and drives him to the children’s home at Castle Street.

Chapter 7

Rory goes to the home because he has no choice and he thinks that it will be for only one night – till his granda is out of the hospital. Tess, a young inmate of the home, terrifies Rory with her bad behaviour.

Chapter 8

Granda admits that he had forgotten that the chip pan was on the stove, hence the fire in the flat. He tries to appease Rory by saying that he would get better soon. However, he is upset that his grandson is in the Castle Street home

CHARACTER

Rory

A young boy, still in school who is dedicated to taking care of his aging grandfather. Shows determination and courage even in desperate situations (when the grandfather is admitted in Rachnadar). Mature, he understands why his grandfather refuses to meet his own father

Granda

Rory’s grandfather. Also known as Mister McIntosh. Elderly,partially senile and never quite well, with a tendency to forget what he is doing (never puts off his pipe properly till it smoulders into flames). Loves his grandson dearly and cannot bear the thought of being separated from him. Rises to the occasion when least expected to. Hurt by his son’s departure from the family and after his daughter-in-law’s death, is dedicated to taking care of Rory.