How is the theme love shown in the novel you have read?

I have read the novel ‘Catch Us If You Can’ written by CatherineMacPhail. It is an interesting novel.  One of the main messages the author highlights is that love is important in a family and we should be willing to forgive our family for their wrongdoings.

Firstly, love between a grandparent and a grandchild. 

Granda loves Rory. To him, Rory is his son. Rory and Granda share an amazing family love for each other, Their love is deep and pure. Granda has been taking care of Rory ever since Rory’s mother passed away and his father walked out of their life. Granda sees to the needs of Rory in schooling and goes to see the class teacher whenever being called such as Parents’ Night. Rory also loves his grandfather. Rory will do anything to care for Granda and make him happy. He readily sacrifices his love for football and to be on the school football team so that he has time to care for Granda. Their love surpasses most level people are capable of family love. This is because of the unique situation the boy and his grandfather are in. Because of this love, they are willing to run away in order not to be separated. They shun the safety of the children’s home (Castle Street) and old folks home (Rachnadar).

Next, love between friends.

Here Rory loves and is loved by his friends such as Tyrone and Darren. Darren gives the key of his mom’s caravan to Rory in the Great Escape. Tyrone along with his parents, Ruby and Sammy, help Granda and Rory in their journey because he could empathise with Rory and his Granda. These people believe that Rory and his grandfather are doing the right thing to stay together and they do not expect to be paid for helping Rory and Granda.

Then, Tyrone’s family too portrays family love.

They are a loving and close-knit family. Sammy is the head of the family and a good provider. Ruby sees to the family’s everyday needs. Tyrone tells Rory that he will never part from his parents. It is his fear too that one day he will be taken away from them by the authorities. Like Rory, he will never allow this to happen.

Lastly, we also see the love shown by the public   .

Their journey is a struggle to stay free. Strangers help them all the way, giving them shelter and making safe plans for them. Rab, the petrol station owner,  gives shelter to the runaways knowing that they are in trouble. He and his girlfriend, Annie helps Granda and Rory cross the Borders to enter England and seeks Annie’s cousin’s help.  Norma and her daughter, Nicola, allow Rory and Granda to stay overnight at their house in Lake District.

As a conclusion, the theme love is shown between the main character, Rory and the people surrounding him that is his grandfather, his best friend and new friends like Tyrone and his family, and strangers like Rab and friends.

It is true that ‘love does not count’ and ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’.

In my opinion, family relationships should be nurtured and not taken for granted as family happiness and stability depend on this positive attitude.

Adapted from : Modul Pecutan Akhir SPM JPN Kelantan 2012)