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
~ 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

2. 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
Character
: 1. Rory McIntosh
Responsibility
Humourous
Loyal and proective
Religious
Compassionate
Sense of justice
: 2.Granda
Loving
Responsibility
Afraid and emotinal
Forgetful

3. Grateful
Proective
Demented
Very resourceful
Prejudiced