1. Synopsis:
Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail is a story that renews our faith in the human race.It
is charming story of a devoted grandson and loving grandfather. It is also a story of adventure
and thrilling chase and escape which brings about many interesting moments for both Rory and
grandfather.It tugs at our heart's strings as we read of a grandfather who is sent to the old
people's home and his grandson to the children's home ,a separation that is exceedingly difficult
for both of them.
Rory comes up with an escape plan.But their path of escape is not easy as their pictures are
in the newspapers and on every television screen.Their journey is full of unexpected cliffhanger
moments when it looks like they will be caught by the authorities.The stress and strain makes
Granda very ill and he ends on in a hospital.
Rory had been hoping that his prodigal father who had abandoned the family and whom he
has no seen for the last ten years would reach out and help.Many compassionate and caring
people,however,help the young boy and his ailing grandfather throughout the journey.The story
ends on a happy note when Rory's dad gets in touch with him due to the publicity.All's well that
ends well.
Themes:
Challenges of growing up and learning about responsibility.
~ Rory is eleven years old and he should be playing football and enjoying being a boy but
he has the big responsibility of keeping Granda safe and away from
Rachnadar.Granda looked after him in those days and now he knows it is his duty to look after
him now.Rory accepts that responsibility with a great attitude and does not hesitate to do his
duty.But from being just a student,Rory grow up within a short frame of time to make decisions
and to act with great responsibility.
Love, compression and family relationships
~ Granda and Rory love each other and that guides all their actions.Granda loves his son,Jeff
but feels let down by what happened years ago.He love Rory's mother dearly too.Granda looked
after Rory before and now Rory wants to look after his Granda.That is family love.Rory's friends
care for him.They are fond of Granda too.Mrs.Foley,Val Jessup and Darren's mum show concern
for Rory and Granda.The people who help Rory and Granda prove to be caring and
compassionate.
Social responsibility

2. ~ The novel emphasizes the important of social responsibility.Doctor Nicol, the teacher,Mrs.
Foley, Darren's mum and Val Jessup feel that Rory need help at home and that he should be
enjoying his boyhood and not be burdened with the responsibility of looking after an ageing and
ailing grandparent.The police officials and the nurses are seen as kind and compassionate.even
the inmates at the children's home care about what is happening to Rory and want to help
him.The public has a social responsibility.We see their involvement as they help Rory and
Granda on their great escape.Members of the public believe strongly that the two should not be
separated and voice their opinion on television.The great escape would not be possible without
the support and help of the public.Thus society has a great role to play in molding people to be
what they are.
Power and authority
~ The social welfare service sees to the very young and the very old. The decision of the
authorities are not always right and must be questioned.Ruby the traveler complain that social
workers check on Tyrone to see if he is getting his education and is not being abused in any way
. The authorities can be nasty to the gypsies and people on the fringes of society.The police bring
fear and anxiety but they are also seen as being compassionate in their dealings with Rory.The
authorities chase after Rory and Granda but the public is mainly on their side and people help
them all the way.Power and authority can be defeated by 'people power'.
Moral values :
Loving and caring
Compassion and kindness
Responsibility
Religious piety
Not to be judgmental

3. Character : 1. Rory McIntosh
Responsibility
Humourous
Loyal and proective
Religious
Compassionate
Sense of justice
: 2.Granda
Loving
Responsibility
Afraid and emotinal
Forgetful
Grateful
Proective
Demented
Very resourceful
Prejudiced