A review by gladiolus17
I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki

emotional funny lighthearted sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a hilarious, snarky book told from a very well-read and enlightened kitten. It is a mirror to Meiji Period Japan society and offers a close look at the opinions and goings-on in that time period. The cat also takes a very self-aware jab at Natsume Soseki, the author of this book, which tickled me. Being of that time period, it does have a lot of sexism, so be warned.

It requires you to suspend your disbelief a little. The kitten knows quite a lot! Like General Togo and various other poets and philosophers.

Spoiler for ending:
I was pretty disheartened and saddened that the cat dies in the end. I had been on this journey with him for a while and was saddened to see the little protagonist go.
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