Sunday, March 17, 2024

Book Review: The Book of 5 Mews by MG Rorai

 



When Harper loses her beloved husband, she moves homes to get away and start anew, without the old memories, and hopefully to create new ones. Her decision to do some volunteering at Wispy Paws animal rescue takes a strange turn when she ends up fostering and ultimately keeping a calico cat that she names Marble, who has a penchant for cheese and philosophy. Harper is a dog person so when Marble comes into her life, things will change. Marble has decreed this is so. The book has alternating points of view between Harper, the hapless human who knows nothing of the Way of Catness, and Marble, who expands upon the philosophy contained therein as a guide to life with a human and managing them; also considering their mental frailty, their weaknesses, and their ability to be easily swayed by feline cuteness.

The Book of Five Mews (Paw, Slink, Roar, Tail, and Clarity) falls somewhere between The Book of Five Rings (a 17th century AD Samurai warrior’s guide) and the 5th century BC Chinese treatise The Art of War attributed to military strategist Sun Tzu (if Sun Tzu had ever owned a cat). To say this book is screamingly funny is an understatement. I am a dog and cat owner. I live in Cyprus (the island of stray cats) where the general public is encouraged to feed, spay, neuter, and basically care for the population of ‘outside cats.’ I have my own cat, Bertie, as well as two dogs. An adorable and very pretty ‘outside cat’ called Jasmine managed to insinuate herself into my life and kept wanting to come inside. I thought no, she had better have a flea collar. That sealed the deal. Once she had the flea collar on, it was “Open, Sesame.” Jasmine became an indoor cat. And that is why I know Jasmine has read The Book of Five Mews and understands the Way of Catness.

Author MG Rorai understands cats as well as the weak human living under the cat’s paw. The narrative style is hilarious. I shrieked with laugher many times, nodded many times, smiled many times, and said, “Yes, exactly.” Many times. The POV switches from Harper describing daily activities in winning Marble’s affection (much of the time with cheese), investigating the art of toys, the delicacy of catnip (unfortunate results there) and a basic getting to know the foster cat scenario. On the other hand, Marble delivers a calculated, quasi-philosophical treatise fittingly couched in elevated language such as a cat of great wisdom would use. The juxtaposition is hilarious. If you are thinking of getting a cat, or even if you have a cat and just want to understand your cat’s little idiosyncrasies and quirky ways better, read this book. If you want a good laugh, read this book. If you need cheering up, read this book. Cats have been ruling humans since the time of the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Hell, they even managed to get themselves into the pantheon of gods, so I think felines know what they are talking about.




M.G. Rorai enjoys hanging with her cats and annoying her husband. Find out more by visiting the author on Facebook and her website.

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