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kats05 's review for:
She and her Cat
by Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa
A delightful collection of 4 interconnected, whimsical stories about cats (+ one sweet dog) and their humans, told from alternating perspectives. We read this for our December book club meet-up which we had at a Cat Café (Casa del gatto) followed by dinner at a Japanese restaurant; both wonderful locations. All bar one in our group are cat owners/lovers, and even the self-professed anti-cat, pro-dog reader in our group admitted that she enjoyed the stories and gained more of an understanding of the relationship between cats and humans.
The writing is quiet and gentle; this is certainly not a plot driven book, and if someone asks me in a few months' time what "happens", I won't know a thing, other than..... someone dies, someone survives, someone has agoraphobia, someone is into mangas, someone gets pregnant, and so on.... but there isn't a "plot" to speak of, really. I just enjoyed spending time with some good cat-loving people and some lovely human-tolerating cats and getting insights into their hearts and minds. At some point, admittedly this was an alcohol fuelled thought, I saw the translator's name on the cover and actually thought what an amazing job she had done translating the cats' sections (don't tell anyone, this is beyond embarrassing!), so in my case, I actually felt that I was getting to understand better what cats think of us and what they are trying to say or convey with certain actions and sounds. I loved that and now understand that our kitty at home is obviously trying to tell me to read more Japanese books featuring cats. https://imgur.com/a/0NISfqv
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What we all wondered is why there are SO MANY Japanese novels, mostly written by men, that feature (talking) cats.
Okay, so I decided to ask ChapGPT for the answer, and here goes:
The writing is quiet and gentle; this is certainly not a plot driven book, and if someone asks me in a few months' time what "happens", I won't know a thing, other than..... someone dies, someone survives, someone has agoraphobia, someone is into mangas, someone gets pregnant, and so on.... but there isn't a "plot" to speak of, really. I just enjoyed spending time with some good cat-loving people and some lovely human-tolerating cats and getting insights into their hearts and minds. At some point, admittedly this was an alcohol fuelled thought, I saw the translator's name on the cover and actually thought what an amazing job she had done translating the cats' sections (don't tell anyone, this is beyond embarrassing!), so in my case, I actually felt that I was getting to understand better what cats think of us and what they are trying to say or convey with certain actions and sounds. I loved that and now understand that our kitty at home is obviously trying to tell me to read more Japanese books featuring cats. https://imgur.com/a/0NISfqv
.What we all wondered is why there are SO MANY Japanese novels, mostly written by men, that feature (talking) cats.
Okay, so I decided to ask ChapGPT for the answer, and here goes:
The prevalence of cats in Japanese literature, particularly in novels written by men, can be attributed to several cultural and literary influences. While it's important to note that not all Japanese novels written by men feature talking cats, there are certainly a notable number that do. Here are a few reasons why this theme may be prevalent:
1. Cultural Symbolism:
Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture and folklore. In Japanese folklore, the "bakeneko" and "nekomata" are supernatural cat creatures believed to have magical powers. Cats are often associated with good fortune and protection from evil spirits. The symbolism and mystique surrounding cats make them appealing subjects for storytelling.
2. Influence of Traditional Tales:
Traditional Japanese tales and fables often feature animals with human-like qualities. These stories might include talking animals or animals with supernatural abilities. Writers may draw inspiration from these traditional narratives when crafting their own works, incorporating talking cats as a nod to cultural heritage.
3. Blend of Fantasy and Reality:
Japanese literature has a rich tradition of blending fantasy elements with everyday life. Authors frequently incorporate magical or fantastical elements into their stories. Talking cats can serve as a means to explore imaginative and whimsical themes, adding a layer of fantasy to an otherwise realistic setting.
4. Personal Expression and Creativity:
Authors often use talking cats as a creative device to express their unique perspectives and ideas. Cats are known for their independence and mysterious nature, allowing writers to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the enigmatic aspects of life through the lens of these feline characters.
5. Popularity of Cat Characters:
Cats are popular pets in Japan, and their widespread presence in society may contribute to their frequent appearance in literature. Cats are seen as cute and endearing, making them relatable characters that can resonate with a broad audience.
6. Literary Trends and Success Stories:
Once a particular theme becomes successful in literature, it can lead to a trend where other authors are inspired to explore similar themes. If a novel featuring a talking cat becomes popular, it may influence other writers to incorporate similar elements into their own works.
In summary, the prevalence of talking cats in Japanese novels, especially those written by men, can be traced back to a combination of cultural symbolism, traditional storytelling, the blend of fantasy and reality, personal expression, the popularity of cats in society, and the influence of literary trends. Each author may have their reasons for choosing this theme, and the cultural context plays a significant role in shaping the narrative landscape.