Hamster carnage wins Waterstones Book Award

11 February 2010

A funny children's story about the death of pet hamsters, entitled 'The Great Hamster Massacre' has won a literary award. First time author Katie Davies has revealed what everyone knows, but subconsciously denies, about the nightmare of owning hamsters.

It's true - nearly every parent has a funny story to tell about the life and death of a pet hamster, and it has little to do with cleaning out the rotten droppings. My own story refers to a time when my friend agreed to pop in to care for our pet hamster, whilst we were on holiday. Given the task because of her natural fondness for animals; I knew Harriet was in safe hands. Obediently following my six year olds instructions to ensure she had plenty of exercise (she forget to mention the ball), and because even at 46 years old I think my friend was a bit excited at the thought of playing with a hamster, she let her out of the cage for a bit of exercise. Being able to squeeze into small spaces, Harriet hurriedly scuttled behind the kitchen units and my distraught friend and her very unimpressed husband, spent the rest of the day disassembling my entire kitchen only to discover on our return that this was quite a common problem, easily resolved with a bucket, chopped apple and a ramp.  Anyway stories much worse than this tale, involving stiletto heels, have obviously caused uproar and hilarity in Katie Davies home, which she shares with comedian husband Alan Davies, and her decision to turn a collection of these horrors stories into a book for young children, she enabled her to claim a coveted award.

The authors own interest in hamsters began following her childhood discover that her two female hamsters were able to procreate.  Giving birth to a large litter, the mother proceeded to commit an act of infanticide towards them all. This has encouraged Katie to embark on telling the story of the grim reality of life as a hamster, encouraged by further narratives of the unexpected atrocities that have beleaguered the lives of these vulnerable creatures. Every hamster should be sold with a psychological health warning for children (and their parents). Alternatively you can buy Katie's excellent book and prepare your children in advance for their beloved pet's untimely demise. Katie Davies, with publisher Simon and Schuster has similar books of pet disaster in the pipeline.

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