Happy Birthday Rotten Ralph (1994) - Plot & Excerpts
Ralph exhibits all the signs of a sociopath: a grandiose sense of self, lack of remorse or shame, an incapacity for love and a lack of empathy. He also exhibits poor impulse control and likely had early behavior problems as a kitten. His attitude towards Sarah is hostile and domineering. But more disturbing than Ralph is Sarah's inability to create boundaries, and her co-dependent need to love Ralph, no matter what. Sarah is on the toxic roller coaster, enjoying the brief honeymoon phase of each book where Ralph seems to repent and they both share a smile on the same page. But after the broken promises to behave and to be kind, Ralph is off on his abusive cycle again. In the first book, Rotten Ralph, the only person who refutes Ralph's power and disavows the abuse is Sarah's father, who abandons the cat at the circus 'where he belongs.' Only after being enslaved by the carnies, intimidated by alley cats, and developing a fever does Ralph repent (briefly) when Sarah brings him back home. I fear for Sarah's long-term safety in the presence of the abusive Ralph (and her neglectful parents), and worry that her adult relationships will mimic the sick cycle established at the hands of her unhinged feline companion.
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