There is Much That is Interesting

I don’t know if one should expect to derive pleasure, as such, from this book, though much of it is in fact enjoyable. It had a confounding effect on me, whereby one moment I would be absorbed in the story, and the next moment feeling put off by one thing or another. Perhaps this was deliberate.

The cat’s perspective confused me. I had a hard time telling, for a long while, whether the criticisms the cat had of its master were legitimate observations, or if the cat saw things in its own catty way. That was never perfectly clear to me, in fact, and then later there was another layer to the cat’s perspective, which was a kind of affection it felt toward its master, coupled with defensiveness about some things its master’s friends said that the cat thought unreasonable.

Many of the translators’ choices were questionable. Some of the jargon that was used was much more modern than the time frame of the early 1900s would have allowed for. “Why don’t you do yourself in?” is one example. “Dimwit,” The use of “Really.” “Oh, really? Did you really?” There are many other examples and I am unable to find them just now when I need them. After a while I was no longer surprised by this use of modern vernacular and it didn’t particularly bother me, but I think I’d have preferred language more appropriate to the time.

The narrator’s voice was perfect. He captured the differences between all the characters in terms of their demeanour, tempo, pitch. Happy people vs. the cynics. Even the women’s voices were distinct. I started a search to see what else he has narrated as I think I would like to listen to more of his work.

Overall, I recommend the book, even though it is at times slow going. Great writers are worth the extra effort by us. Sometimes when I’ve been listening to a passage for what feels like a long time, I sense that it is going somewhere, and the closer he gets to it, the more I wait with eagerness as I can see where he is going with it. And then as he gets there at last, I get goosebumps. So beautifully done.

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I Am a Cat

A very philosophical book with chuckles about the foibles of man as seen by a cat. However, I was distressed about the ending.

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2 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Humorous but Sad making.

Excellent narration allows a complete realization on each character; the satire is as advertised! The ending, touching and briefly overshadows the messages.

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the writer was very preachy and pushy

I found it rather difficult to get through. the author I found to preach his world views endlessly throughout the book and only near the beginning of the book did I feel like maybe I was viewing things out of the eyes and ears of a cat. A lot of the views in the book I found frustrating to listen to at best, and at its worst, disturbing. I don't recommend this book. It is a long listen for little enjoyment

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