The Writer's Cats

From the author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog comes a tale that incorporates Japanese philosophy and centers on a writer's cats. The story offers a behind-the-scenes look at a writer's creative process, challenges, successes, and setbacks, told from the perspective of Kirin, one of four cats. The cats are Ocha, the tough-hearted leader; Mizu, Ocha's affectionate sister with bandy legs; Petrus, a refined cat who loves flowers; and Kirin, the pretty narrator. Together, they may or may not be reliable narrators as they reveal details about the writer's domestic habits, routines, and obsessions. The book features illustrations by Maria Guitart and is intended for writers, readers, fans of Barbery's novels, and cat lovers.