Author: Edeet Ravel
Publication Year: 2013
Publisher: Penguin/Pintail
Edition: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Setting: Ontario
Date Completed: April - 2013
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: yes
Don't roll your eyes based on the title on this novel, as it's just not another story about a cat. It's actually a story about loss, grief and moving forward. A work of fiction that almost feels like it's based on a life experience, the story is about a woman named Elise who loses her only child, her eleven-year old son in a tragic accident.
Mother and son lived in a remote area of Ontario in a cozy little cottage perfect for just the two of them. Elise is an artist, and although we never learn the name of her son, which kind of bothered me, we did learn that he was a smart, gentle boy who loved nature and animals. He was doing what he loved, searching in the tall grass for something that moved, when he was struck by a car and killed instantly.
Though it is said that many people find extra strength when they need it the most, Elise was not one of those people. She couldn't deal with what needed to be done and instead called her ex-husband to take care of all of the final arrangements. Almost immediately she drifted into a paralyzing grief that made her want to end her own life as well, but then something happened. Her son's cat Pursie, who was adopted from a shelter two years earlier was constantly at her side, often purring loudly. Something eventually clicked and Elise realized that her son would be very disappointed if she was not there to care for Pursie.
Over a period of seven months, Elise leads a life of isolation. She closes her email account, and cuts herself off from the living -- just her and Pursie, until finally she realizes that life goes on however painful the past may seem.
I found this story pretty powerful, but Elise was a character I could not warm up to. Although Pursie was the reason she never ends her life, the story is never about "the cat". It's really a story about loss, pain, grieving and finding a reason to keep going after tragedy strikes -- in this case "the cat". Overall this was a short yet memorable read, one that would be a good choice especially for someone who has lost a child.
I'm having a hard time deciding whether to add this one to my wish list or not. I like the way you reviewed this one - the positive and not so positive. It has me a bit intrigued.
ReplyDeleteGrief is such a powerful topic to choose for a novel. This one seems to have a good message.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be posting a review of Ravel's The Last Rain in the next week or so. The author intrigues me and I thought I might read more of her work, but I'm not sure now that it will be this one.
ReplyDeleteHrm...this might be too heavy for me! But I'm also intrigued...so torn!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this one, and as someone who knows the power that a really loving cat can have, I am more than a little excited to find out how this one goes down. Excellently crafted review today. I really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThe premise of this book is so sad. Pursie has a lot of comforting to do!
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds rough. I'm not certain I could read another book on the loss of a child, although this does sound like it is really well-done.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am kind of fond of the title!
ReplyDeleteI can see where it would be difficult to warm up to a character going through that kind of grief. This does sound like a powerful book.
ReplyDeleteThis is one I'd have to wait awhile to read. I am trying to get through Those We Love The Most (on audio) that deal with the loss of a child.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting and would count towards the Canadian challenge! I must look for it!
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