Invisible Kitties — a Magical Review
Book cover image from Books Are Magic
In the past few years, I have found myself reading more nonfiction books because a lot of modern fiction felt like it was focused on tropes and lacked creativity. I served on a reading list committee last year which focused on fiction and I am glad I was a part of it.
This committee brought me back to fiction, especially the lesser known books that dared to experiment. That is how I found Invisible Kitties by the Chinese Poet Yu Yoyo. As a cat lover, I was drawn to read her first novel all about the magic of living with a cat.
What I got was a brilliant short novel that reads like a fever dream in the best way possible.
What is the Plot of Invisible Kitties?
At its core, Invisible Kitties describes the trials, tribulations, and joys of sharing your life with a cat. The story tells of a childless couple who adopt a cat and how this enhances their life. In sixty short chapters, some at only one page length, the author lets us into her thoughts and fantastical theories about cat behavior, told by someone who has never had a pet cat.
On a deeper level, Invisible Kitties tackles the mystery of existence and how we, as humans, personify our pets and develop deep bonds with them.
How Does a Poet Do as a Fiction Writer in Invisible Kitties?
Yu Yoyo is mostly known in China for her poetry. She has been publishing poetry since 2012. Invisible Kitties is her first novel, but she doesn’t show any hesitation in writing fiction in her own unique voice. Yoyo uses quick chapters and short sentences to make an impact.
The book is also peppered with her own drawings to emphasize some of the more capricious elements of the novel. She draws from her poetic style to bring an element of magical realism to the book that is a breath of fresh air. Her cat — aptly named Cat — is at times an ordinary cat, but at other times defies the laws of physics in body and movement to serve the narrative.
Yoyo can take something as mundane as a cat’s purr and make its origins extraordinary and irreverent. The narrative is sweeping and surprising.
What Was My Opinion of Invisible Kitties?
Currently, I have found some of the most intriguing and experimental fiction coming from women in Japan. Yu Yoyo, is the first Chinese author I have read and she is on par with Japan’s best, like Sayaka Murata.
Coming in at a slim 256 pages, Invisible Kitties contains measured storytelling in its succinct writing in a way I’ve rarely seen. Reading this cat-filled novel satisfied my inner cat enthusiast and avid lover of experimental fiction with a unique joy.
Yoyo doesn’t bother with extraneous descriptions. She keeps her narrative tight and focused. The novel flew by so fast, I found myself missing the elusive Cat and his owners as soon as I finished the book. I wanted more.
Should You Read Invisible Kitties?
Invisible Kitties is a one of a kind story that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Yoyo’s perspective is fresh and unique.
That being said, if you prefer a straight narrative, this might not be for you. Those willing to strap in and take the trip with the author will find themselves enveloped in the magical world of cats. I found the trip delightful and satisfying. I would suggest taking the chance on a fanciful adventure with Invisible Kitties.
Need more great reads? Check out these other reviews on fabulously fun novels and all things kitty!
- Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries – Novel Review
- The Cat’s Value – Poetry
- Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, a Fantasy Book Review
- Rufus – Pet Poetry
- Thief Liar Lady, an Adult Fairy Tale Review
- Fluff of Delight – A Monologue About a Cat
- The Tinker and the Witch, a Cozy Fantasy Character Tale Review
- The Way Cats Wake Up to a Passion of Birds – A Poetry Reading
- Mimi Lee Cracks the Code – Cozy Mystery Book Review
- Incredible – Creative Nonfiction About Cats
- The Vinyl Detective – Written in Dead Wax – Mystery Novel Review
- Murder Always Barks Twice – Cozy Mystery Review
- Bait & Swiss – Cozy Mystery Review
Gretchen Wallett
Gretchen Wallett has a Bachelors in English from Indiana University and a masters in Library and Information Science from Drexel University. A life-long reader, they are passionate about spreading the love of reading and access to information. They also enjoy writing about books and researching topics of interest to them. They live in a cozy little cottage in Indiana with her partner, Steven, and their two cats, Simon and Lil Bit.
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