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I Am a Cat

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About this listen

Written over the course of 1904-1906, Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle class Japanese society during the Meiji era. With acerbic wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a world-weary stray kitten who comments on the follies and foibles of the people around him.

A classic of Japanese literature, I Am a Cat is one of Soseki's best-known novels. Considered by many as the greatest writer in modern Japanese history, Soseki's I Am a Cat is a classic novel sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

©1972 Aiko Ito and Graeme Wilson (P)2020 Tantor Animals Asian Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire World Literature Comedy Cats Witty Funny Japanese Cats
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I picked up the novel I Am A Cat seven years ago. I looked at the title and the blurb and thought it was very interesting, so I bought it. It has now become my all time favourite story. I've reread this numerous times over the years - it's comforting.

The audiobook here perfectly captures what made I Am A Cat such a special story to me. David Shih's performance was perfect, capturing the tender yet sarcastic tones of the stories.

It's as good as it gets.

I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful.

Still as amazing as I first read it

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loved the subtle humour and satire. This is a book of it's time you couldn't write today. Maybe that's why I liked it.

surprisingly listenable

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Listen to the forward last, because it dwells at length on the ending and is a real spoiler. Some useful information in there, but definitely listen to the story first.

The forward is a spoiler!

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Awesome read, very funny :)

This is a great book, both funny and insightful take on culture.

Awesome read, very funny :)

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While true that, at times, the narrative amongst the humans upon which the cat comments can drag somewhat, this remains a marvelous and rather unique novel. David Shih narrates this book beautifully, his performance including apt and distinguishable voices for the whole cast of characters. Like Natsume's readers in early 20th century Japan who first encountered this work in serialised form, I too only wish there were more to come! Cat lovers in particular will enjoy this humorous, biting commentary on humanity itself from a feline observer!

Utterly delightful, magnificently narrated

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