A review by andreeavis
Deplorable Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions by Yeoh Jo-Ann

adventurous funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

#π‘π‘œπ‘œπ‘˜π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘£π‘–π‘’π‘€ | 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 π‘ͺπ’π’π’—π’†π’“π’”π’‚π’•π’Šπ’π’π’” π’˜π’Šπ’•π’‰ π‘ͺ𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑢𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 π‘«π’Šπ’”π’•π’“π’‚π’„π’•π’Šπ’π’π’”, π‘Œπ‘’π‘œβ„Ž π½π‘œ-𝐴𝑛𝑛 

My cat, Yeti, is camera-shy and refuses to share his wisdom directly with you. Just like Coconut, the main protagonist of Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions. The new novel released by Penguin SEA shares the story of Lucky Lee, a Singaporean who finds himself in a peculiar situation where Coconut becomes his sole confidant, much to the disbelief of those around him (to whom Coconut refused to talk).

Lucky’s life takes a tragic turn with the loss of his sister Pearl, which leaves him adrift in a sea of grief and solitude. The narrative follows him drifting through life with little direction and responsibility, supported by his father’s wealth and, after his father’s passing, his sister’s. Being alone, only under the critical eye of aunties from his mother’s side (the stereotypical tough-love-Chinese-aunties), Lucky starts a self-discovery journey aided and guided by Coconut. 

Lucky is portrayed as a privileged man-child. Having grown in wealth, he finished architecture but never practised, started multiple business ventures that always ended somehow, and had multiple girlfriends, each one β€œthe one”. Only one thing in his life is actively working, and that’s the coffee shop that he started with two of his friends from architecture college, where he also works a few days a week.

After Pearl’s death, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, which takes him from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and the small village in Malaysia where his father grew up. Coconut is his spiritual guide and emotional support and the two bond deeply during their journey.

While the premise holds promise, the execution falls a bit short for me. At almost 400 pages, the story meanders, and I found it hard to maintain interest, as, despite his grief and self-growth journey, Lucky remains an unlikeable protagonist, displaying a concerning lack of maturity. His inability to take charge of his life becomes grating, overshadowing the potential for character growth (I am not certain the interesting conclusion of the book signifies growth). 

However, amidst the narrative flaws, there are glimpses of charm. The vivid descriptions of Singaporean and Malaysian locales, coupled with tantalising discussions on coffee offer a sensory escape for readers. For enthusiasts of coffee and feline companions, this book will be a joy. I recommend the books for lovers of coffee and cats, ready to take a literary journey through Singapore and Malaysia!