By Anatoli Scholz Published 28th May 2020
A modern ‘Metamorphosis’ that speaks to the themes of our time – isolation, identity and desperation for connection
- An entertaining novella with a philosophical outlook, If Cats Could Talk… Would They Cry introduces Julie Galles. An introvert in an extrovert’s world, Julie is stuck in a rut - until the day she wakes up as a cat. Can a feline perspective help her to reconnect with humanity?
- Core issues of companionship, authenticity and purpose are explored with a lightness of touch and an off-beat charm. A book that readers can really connect to.
- The son of Soviet scientists, Anatoli Scholz has lived in the US, France, Ireland and many other countries. He has never lived in one place for more than two years. Anatoli is currently locked-down in Spain and is available for interview.
- Beautifully illustrated with playful vignettes by Spanish artist Félix Diaz de Escauriaza.
‘It took her turning into a cat to focus on being human again.’
Julie suddenly and unexpectedly transforms into a cat, taking her on a journey that provides a fresh perspective on her life.
An update on Kafka’s METAMORPHOSIS, this entertaining and playful novella explores notions of authenticity, connection and societal expectation.
About the Author
ANATOLI SCHOLZ was born in Moscow and raised in the US, Germany and Ireland. He has never lived in one place for more than two years and he speaks seven languages. He currently lives in Spain; before that he lived in Paris, in the very road where this book is set. This is his third book.
If Cats Could Talk… Would They Cry? will be available in paperback and ebook editions
My review
As a cat lover you can imagine how the title of this little book intrigued me and I looked forward to reading it. First, I flicked through the pages keen to see the illustrations and was not disappointed, they are charming.
In truth I struggled with the first few pages but decided to stick with it and I'm so glad I did. This is a good book. I enjoyed reading it. Julie Galles is an interesting and likeable, protagonist in both human and cat form. All of the characters are interesting and well put together, plus the story flows well.
The author, Anatoli Scholz, has given us a novella that is both entertaining and thought provoking. It may well resonate with many readers on a personal level and turn into a page turner for them as it did for me.
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