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Soseki Natsume's I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition
Japan's beloved literary masterpiece brought to life in manga form!
Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society in early 20th century Tokyo. Written with biting wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a rather cynical stray kitten. He finds his way into the home of an English teacher, where his running commentary on the follies and foibles of the people around him has been making readers laugh for more than a century.
This is the very first manga edition in English of this classic piece of Japanese literature. The story lends itself well to a graphic novel format, allowing readers to pick up on the more subtle cues of the expressive cat, while also being immersed in the world of his perceptive narration. It is true to classic manga form, and is read back to front.
The cast of characters includes:
Kushami—His master, who is not good at his job and quite stupid
The Kenedas—A conceited couple with a spoiled daughter
Meitei—Kushami's friend who is fond of jokes and tall tales
A group of local cats including lovely Mikeko, and violent Kuro
Beautifully illustrated by Japanese artist Chiroru Kobato, this edition provides a visual, entertaining look at a unique period in Japan's history—filled with cultural and societal changes, rapid modernization and a feeling of limitless possibility—through the eyes of an unlikely narrator.
Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society in early 20th century Tokyo. Written with biting wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a rather cynical stray kitten. He finds his way into the home of an English teacher, where his running commentary on the follies and foibles of the people around him has been making readers laugh for more than a century.
This is the very first manga edition in English of this classic piece of Japanese literature. The story lends itself well to a graphic novel format, allowing readers to pick up on the more subtle cues of the expressive cat, while also being immersed in the world of his perceptive narration. It is true to classic manga form, and is read back to front.
The cast of characters includes:
Kushami—His master, who is not good at his job and quite stupid
The Kenedas—A conceited couple with a spoiled daughter
Meitei—Kushami's friend who is fond of jokes and tall tales
A group of local cats including lovely Mikeko, and violent Kuro
Beautifully illustrated by Japanese artist Chiroru Kobato, this edition provides a visual, entertaining look at a unique period in Japan's history—filled with cultural and societal changes, rapid modernization and a feeling of limitless possibility—through the eyes of an unlikely narrator.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
41 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Natsume Sōseki
889 books3,246 followersNatsume Sōseki (夏目 漱石), born Natsume Kinnosuke (夏目 金之助), was a Japanese novelist. He is best known for his novels Kokoro, Botchan, I Am a Cat and his unfinished work Light and Darkness. He was also a scholar of British literature and composer of haiku, kanshi, and fairy tales. From 1984 until 2004, his portrait appeared on the front of the Japanese 1000 yen note. In Japan, he is often considered the greatest writer in modern Japanese history. He has had a profound effect on almost all important Japanese writers since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 21, 2024
Aw, why did it have to end like that?
Funny, relatable, and something that will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, anything about cats is worth reading.
A slice-of-life story—comedic with a simple plot. Kushima is a bit silly, and his misadventures made me laugh quite a few times. The cat/narrator is adorable, observant, and insecure. And he’s so cute! I lost count of how many times I screen-grabbed chapters just to keep them in my gallery. Adorable.
But let’s not talk about the ending.
‘Humans are selfish creatures.’ Not a lie.
Funny, relatable, and something that will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, anything about cats is worth reading.
A slice-of-life story—comedic with a simple plot. Kushima is a bit silly, and his misadventures made me laugh quite a few times. The cat/narrator is adorable, observant, and insecure. And he’s so cute! I lost count of how many times I screen-grabbed chapters just to keep them in my gallery. Adorable.
But let’s not talk about the ending.
‘Humans are selfish creatures.’ Not a lie.
May 22, 2021
A beautifully drawn manga, I found myself finding a hard time to connect with the story. Sometimes it just happens.
I have never read this classic, maybe that has affected my enjoyment, but I found it all rather too mannered and a bit too soapy for my tastes.
I have to admit (and I do feel a bit dumb about this), but I was also a bit disappointed by the role of the titular cat, how it's only an observer and has no real agency (not to even speak of the ending).
(Thanks to Tuttle Publishing for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
I have never read this classic, maybe that has affected my enjoyment, but I found it all rather too mannered and a bit too soapy for my tastes.
I have to admit (and I do feel a bit dumb about this), but I was also a bit disappointed by the role of the titular cat, how it's only an observer and has no real agency (not to even speak of the ending).
(Thanks to Tuttle Publishing for providing me with an ARC through Edelweiss)
November 10, 2021
This manga is based on a classic from 1905, it's not a light and fluffy cat manga. I was a bit concerned this manga would lose alot from the original work as it has compressed the full novel (it's a big book) into one short manga. However I feel like the manga captures the balance of the more serious themes and thoughts with the humour of the original work well, whilst it could have featured more from the novel the overall concept was well executed. I definitely think to appreciate this manga fully it is important to be aware of the source material, if not read it before hand. The artwork of the manga is just stunning, I love the details and the cat is so beautifully portrayed. Having seen the other reviews alot of people are not happy with the ending or the heavy content, but it is true to the novel and to the themes the novel portrays. The thought stories that take part in the novel naturally lead to the end of this story, whilst some of these are in the manga unless you really consider them it can be missed and the ending can be a shock. Having read the novel I knew the ending and I think the artist did it justice and was respectful about it.
November 3, 2021
Let’s just say: I liked the cat.
November 17, 2022
“I am fortunate to be the cat of such a man. Thanks to him, my short cat’s life is filled with interesting experiences.”
Natsume Soseki’s “I am a Cat, " is a unique, whimsical narrative with the narrator being an unnamed cat belonging to an English teacher in Tokyo. Set prior to WWI, this short graphic novel contains vignettes of an academic’s life as the cat reports and comments on the goings-on in his master, Kushami’s life. Kushami lives with his mother, wife, and three children. Every other day, Kushami is visited by some of his friends and neighbours and the cat acutely observes their interactions with sarcasm and amusement.
The cat’s commentary is filled with wit and is purported to be a realistic portrayal of upper-class society in Japan. Some of it really cracked me up, like this one.
“It seems to qualify as a teacher, you must be able to sleep a lot. Even a cat could do that. In truth, he spends more time drooling on books than reading them.”
Or this
“What’s your subject?”
“The effects of ultraviolet rays on galvanic action in the eyeball of frogs.”
There’s a constant criticism of the inflated sense of importance that people, particularly academics, seem to have. It borders on the absurdist and the satire is biting, which can be seen in the lifestyle and attitudes that the Kushami and his friends display. The uneducated cat is clearly the wiser among all of them because he sees what they don’t see, realizations that they are unaware of.
“If children are such a bother, he should never have had them in the first place. But he’s human. And that’s what it means to be human. When they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own.”
Nothing escapes the cat’s scrutiny. From Kushami’s stomach troubles to the overall state of the world and humanity, the cat’s social commentary is highly entertaining and revelatory.
This manga edition is an adaptation of the original novel which is spread across three volumes. I haven’t read the novels but the manga seems to capture the essence of it.
Soseki has the superb ability to encapsulate his world views on Japanese society, people, culture, and habits of the time through single line comments. But unlike the haikus that Kushami’s friend spouts, there’s much to reflect and draw from in Soseki’s words.
A quick read that alternates between deeply observant and darkly comic.
Natsume Soseki’s “I am a Cat, " is a unique, whimsical narrative with the narrator being an unnamed cat belonging to an English teacher in Tokyo. Set prior to WWI, this short graphic novel contains vignettes of an academic’s life as the cat reports and comments on the goings-on in his master, Kushami’s life. Kushami lives with his mother, wife, and three children. Every other day, Kushami is visited by some of his friends and neighbours and the cat acutely observes their interactions with sarcasm and amusement.
The cat’s commentary is filled with wit and is purported to be a realistic portrayal of upper-class society in Japan. Some of it really cracked me up, like this one.
“It seems to qualify as a teacher, you must be able to sleep a lot. Even a cat could do that. In truth, he spends more time drooling on books than reading them.”
Or this
“What’s your subject?”
“The effects of ultraviolet rays on galvanic action in the eyeball of frogs.”
There’s a constant criticism of the inflated sense of importance that people, particularly academics, seem to have. It borders on the absurdist and the satire is biting, which can be seen in the lifestyle and attitudes that the Kushami and his friends display. The uneducated cat is clearly the wiser among all of them because he sees what they don’t see, realizations that they are unaware of.
“If children are such a bother, he should never have had them in the first place. But he’s human. And that’s what it means to be human. When they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own.”
Nothing escapes the cat’s scrutiny. From Kushami’s stomach troubles to the overall state of the world and humanity, the cat’s social commentary is highly entertaining and revelatory.
This manga edition is an adaptation of the original novel which is spread across three volumes. I haven’t read the novels but the manga seems to capture the essence of it.
Soseki has the superb ability to encapsulate his world views on Japanese society, people, culture, and habits of the time through single line comments. But unlike the haikus that Kushami’s friend spouts, there’s much to reflect and draw from in Soseki’s words.
A quick read that alternates between deeply observant and darkly comic.
April 26, 2021
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is a modern manga adaptation of a classic of Japanese literature: originally written in 1905, it explores a Meiji era japan caught between Eastern and Western ideals. As seen through the eyes of a self important cat, society and the middle class are roundly satirized. It is an easy but deep read and says a lot about Japan at the time. There is no happy ending and people are not nice to each other in the book (battles with words have replaced battles with swords). But for those wondering about the personality inspirations for characters such as Persona 5's Morgana or Marios Bowser will find it here in this nameless cat protagonist.Story: A kitten is born but a wandering student carelessly separates the kitten from his mother. Left alone, he wanders into a yard and is taken in by an English teacher and his family. There, he will casually listen in on human conversations that take place in the household. From the family friend with grandiose tales to the wandering handsome young scholar who may or may not be wooing the wealthy but spoiled daughter of a wealthy merchant. The cat and his somewhat silly owner will make some pithy observations on life.
The tone of most of the conversations can best be described as nihilistic but also quite supercillious. There is an unease and dread of the modern world and the rise of the individual (as opposed to the old days of nameless peasants). E.g., now that women are being educated, it means they will value marriage less, disrespect their husbands, and destroy marriage. This segues into the notion that a man having three daughters shouldn't bother getting to know them well since they will be leaving home one day anyway. The cat muses that if the man finds the girls so annoying he shouldn't have had children in the first place. "But he's human. And that's what it means to be human. When they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own."
Most of the chapters are stand alone vignettes that explore themes or topics. Most of the story is told through the cat's eyes as he listens to the various families and acquaintances gossip about each other. Each of the characters has a distinct personality and are easily differentiated. The manga does a fine job of showing each personality as well. The panels are clean and if sometimes nuance is lost without the words of the novel format, I think the translator/illustrator do a fine job of turning the inspiration material into manga format.
This is a book that most Japanese school children are required to read for a good reason - it is one of their literature classics (the author is one of the few to be referred to by his personal name and not his family name). I think a lot of Western audiences can get quite a bit of insight on Japanese culture here, even with the 1900s setting. Just don't expect a happy ending. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
December 9, 2021
When I picked up this book, I had no idea of what the book was about, except for the fact that it was narrated by a cat. I figured it would be a slice of life kind of a story, which it was, but I didn't know there was more to it than that. I had no intention of reading the actual novel itself and after finishing this graphic novel, even though it did pique my interest somewhat, it wasn't enough to make me want to read the 400+ paged novel.
The story was a mixture of funny situations and deep musings about the Japanese lives and Western cultures. The jokes and amusing scenes were just as much as the deaths and talks about suicides.
I thought the illustrations were adorable, but the editing was very poorly done - there were too many mistakes in terms of grammar and spelling that it took away some of the enjoyment.
The story was a mixture of funny situations and deep musings about the Japanese lives and Western cultures. The jokes and amusing scenes were just as much as the deaths and talks about suicides.
I thought the illustrations were adorable, but the editing was very poorly done - there were too many mistakes in terms of grammar and spelling that it took away some of the enjoyment.
April 25, 2022
First of all, I expected more of the cat. While the cat is always in the background, I expected him to either actively participate in events more or at least have more of a running commentary. Much of the story is the other characters talking while the cat sits in the room. The translation is also stilted in places, with multiple clear typos. Overall, the premise is strong and it feels the original novel would tell the story better because it has more time to develop everything. There were some clear spots where something was funny or insightful, but they all felt overly brief to me.
February 22, 2022
ok it's a translation of an adaptation of a hundred-year-old book so i'm assuming a lot of the story was lost by the time it got here
May 28, 2025
curiosity did not kill the cat, philosophizing did
March 22, 2022
I don't really care for pretty much the entire book. The main point is the cat and the rest feels like complete filler. But THE ENDING IS SO FUCKING SAD. actually traumatic 😭😭😭I can't fucking believe the ending ohmygod.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
Whoa. That sudden shift to dark stuff right at the end caught me off guard.
November 22, 2024
I cannot fathom why this book is rated so low on Goodreads! I found the cat, the main character, very endearing, and he provides a stark contrast to the cynicism of the dozen-odd unlikeable characters in the book - none evil, but every single one of them imperfect and thoroughly human.
Perhaps the book did not age well due to some dated ideas from the time it was written, even though it starts off with a disclaimer / apology to the reader bringing attention to this very fact. Or maybe those who had previously read the original find this a less appropriate medium given the nature of the book - now dark, now comedic gold, making me nod in agreement and laugh out loud in equal measure.
There were a few editing errors and some odd turns of phrase, but otherwise I think the translator and the illustrator have both done a great job with this tough format!
Perhaps the book did not age well due to some dated ideas from the time it was written, even though it starts off with a disclaimer / apology to the reader bringing attention to this very fact. Or maybe those who had previously read the original find this a less appropriate medium given the nature of the book - now dark, now comedic gold, making me nod in agreement and laugh out loud in equal measure.
There were a few editing errors and some odd turns of phrase, but otherwise I think the translator and the illustrator have both done a great job with this tough format!
January 19, 2024
Ever wonder what your cat is thinking of you? He may look like he’s snoozing the day away, but he has front row tickets to every gossipy, stupid, “unguarded” thing you say…so make sure you keep feeding him to keep him on your good side! That cute little kitty sponge could turn on you at any minute and tell ya a few things! At the very least his gaze points out the absurdity and surrealist nature of academia and social climbing; human society being no more than a “massing of lunatics.”
This was the graphic adaptation of the Japanese classic satire; I’m sure this version is much more accessible than the original..at least for dum dums like me! 🍭
This was the graphic adaptation of the Japanese classic satire; I’m sure this version is much more accessible than the original..at least for dum dums like me! 🍭
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April 7, 2024Obviously, this edition holds no candle to the original work. So much of I Am A Cat’s brilliance is lost by reimagining it as a manga, but the story was more fun and readable in this format. This is a good companion piece, but I wouldn’t recommend reading this one without reading the source first.
July 6, 2024
I mean.. it’s cute? This cat is extremely insightful and wise beyond being a cat. I had no idea what this manga was about before picking it up, but it’s a light story from the perspective of a cat, drawing reference to Japanese culture and existential issues. There wasn’t much time to connect with the characters or the storyline, but it still held my attention and had me laughing out loud at times. The ending was abrupt but left me with my mouth agape for some time.
It was a fun read overall! Not the best story, but that’s not why I bought it anyways:)
It was a fun read overall! Not the best story, but that’s not why I bought it anyways:)
December 17, 2025
Wish I had read the original version. Still, what I took from this classic is that, at the end of the day, people are driven by optics (whether through detachment or engagement, preformance is ultimately the driving force behind our being). More pessimistic than I expected, but at the end of the day, a satire is a satire..
January 29, 2022
Knowing the original novel helps to follow the story. Nice drawings.
October 8, 2023
Don't read this if you want a cute story about a cat because you will be ripped apart at the end....
I expected more from the cats POV. The story felt like filler.
I expected more from the cats POV. The story felt like filler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
- i don't really like the art style 💁♀️
- i could tell the ending was coming but i didn't care for it
- depressing and funny
- i could tell the ending was coming but i didn't care for it
- depressing and funny
April 7, 2022
Manga adaptasi dari karya Natsume Soseki, I Am A Cat. Premisnya simpel, tentang kucing oren yang ga punya nama dan akhirnya jadi peliharaan si guru Bahasa Inggris, dan komentar dari sudut pandang si kucing tentang persoalan di lingkungan rumah yg dihuninya. Komentar si kucing ini cukup lucu dengan gaya satir yang, yah khas kucing.
Beberapa yang dikomentari kurang lebih seperti: kelakuan males si guru dan pertengkaran kecil sama istrinya, kelakuan bapak2 yang sering ke rumahnya sambil gosip, pertemuan si kucing sama si kucing item (Kuro) yang agak sengak, demen sama kucing betina tetangga (Mikeko), obrolan si murid yang tiba-tiba mau dijodohin sama anak dari emak-emak yang hidungnya sering digosipin sama si guru dan kawannya, dsb.
Ada kata-kata yang saya sendiri ga paham artinya walau udah diterjemahin ke Bahasa Inggris. Mungkin karena katanya terlalu asing dan jarang dipakai. Bisa jadi akibat dari terjemahan karya sastra yang kadang susah buat diterjemahin ke bahasa asing. Ilustrasi buat kucingnya lucu banget, kalau untuk karakter manusianya kadang bikin bingung karena mukanya agak mirip. Untuk isinya ada beberapa candaan tentang bunuh diri yang mungkin bisa jadi topik sensitif. Tapi saya suka untuk bab akhirnya, ada pembahasan tentang seluk beluk sifat manusia, kematian, dan tentu saja dengan gaya yang satir dari si kucing.
Beberapa yang dikomentari kurang lebih seperti: kelakuan males si guru dan pertengkaran kecil sama istrinya, kelakuan bapak2 yang sering ke rumahnya sambil gosip, pertemuan si kucing sama si kucing item (Kuro) yang agak sengak, demen sama kucing betina tetangga (Mikeko), obrolan si murid yang tiba-tiba mau dijodohin sama anak dari emak-emak yang hidungnya sering digosipin sama si guru dan kawannya, dsb.
Ada kata-kata yang saya sendiri ga paham artinya walau udah diterjemahin ke Bahasa Inggris. Mungkin karena katanya terlalu asing dan jarang dipakai. Bisa jadi akibat dari terjemahan karya sastra yang kadang susah buat diterjemahin ke bahasa asing. Ilustrasi buat kucingnya lucu banget, kalau untuk karakter manusianya kadang bikin bingung karena mukanya agak mirip. Untuk isinya ada beberapa candaan tentang bunuh diri yang mungkin bisa jadi topik sensitif. Tapi saya suka untuk bab akhirnya, ada pembahasan tentang seluk beluk sifat manusia, kematian, dan tentu saja dengan gaya yang satir dari si kucing.
September 12, 2022
I should have read what it was actually about. It's not about a cat.
May 27, 2024
TLDR: this piece tackles the following arrange in accordance to it's prevalence: anthropocentrism, suicide, misogyny, marriage, beauty, subservience to a certain philosophy or "enlightened" person, and occupation
i cant comment on its integrity to the book as i haven't read it. this review is based on the manga alone.
it has a disclaimer that some of the contents included are not aligned with modern human rights but are reflective of the time it was written. i appreciate how i was able to get a feel of what it would look like to live in a Japanese household in that period of time. even with consideration of this warning, i do not agree with the principles included in this book. i understand it is a reflection of its time, but i cannot help but feel that its motive was not to portray, but to persuade somehow. aside from the regular misogyny and everything else it comes with (unsurprising for a Japanese book), the way it talked about death and suicide is unsettling and could never sit right with me. it claimed that one can only achieve peace through death and i could never disagree more. it sent the message that both living and dying are difficult, but suicide may be the easier, more appetizing way out.
i was able to see how lightly they take suicide, how beauty is the manipulating force behind the conscious and unconscious biases and treatment towards others, how belittling they talk about women, and how this translates to the lack of gravity and care for the union of marriage.
aside from its politics, the plot felt a bit disorganized in the way new characters come in too abruptly wherein they change topics quickly as well. the plot was simple but unsatisfying in the way that i feel it jumps too much from one topic too another. it felt too compressed; if not compressed, then misplaced. i also wish the cats had more interaction with each other. the point of the story is to see what it's like through a cat's eyes but i feel it could have been maximized more throughout the story. we mostly only see the series of events and not much substance of the cat's interpretations, thoughts, or responses to the matter. it was not revealing anthropocentrism through a cat's eyes. instead, it was mostly spotlighting humans in my opinion.
it was not an enjoyable read to which i was expecting more from a manga of renowned classic Japanese literature. i do however appreciate the graphics. it was beautifully drawn and made the aesthetic aspect of the reading experience enjoyable.
i cant comment on its integrity to the book as i haven't read it. this review is based on the manga alone.
it has a disclaimer that some of the contents included are not aligned with modern human rights but are reflective of the time it was written. i appreciate how i was able to get a feel of what it would look like to live in a Japanese household in that period of time. even with consideration of this warning, i do not agree with the principles included in this book. i understand it is a reflection of its time, but i cannot help but feel that its motive was not to portray, but to persuade somehow. aside from the regular misogyny and everything else it comes with (unsurprising for a Japanese book), the way it talked about death and suicide is unsettling and could never sit right with me. it claimed that one can only achieve peace through death and i could never disagree more. it sent the message that both living and dying are difficult, but suicide may be the easier, more appetizing way out.
i was able to see how lightly they take suicide, how beauty is the manipulating force behind the conscious and unconscious biases and treatment towards others, how belittling they talk about women, and how this translates to the lack of gravity and care for the union of marriage.
aside from its politics, the plot felt a bit disorganized in the way new characters come in too abruptly wherein they change topics quickly as well. the plot was simple but unsatisfying in the way that i feel it jumps too much from one topic too another. it felt too compressed; if not compressed, then misplaced. i also wish the cats had more interaction with each other. the point of the story is to see what it's like through a cat's eyes but i feel it could have been maximized more throughout the story. we mostly only see the series of events and not much substance of the cat's interpretations, thoughts, or responses to the matter. it was not revealing anthropocentrism through a cat's eyes. instead, it was mostly spotlighting humans in my opinion.
it was not an enjoyable read to which i was expecting more from a manga of renowned classic Japanese literature. i do however appreciate the graphics. it was beautifully drawn and made the aesthetic aspect of the reading experience enjoyable.
September 14, 2021
😻The main character in this Manga is obviously a cat. Or should I say THE CAT since he has no name. The Cat is like a third-person omniscient narrator. So I guess the that is why the author did not give The Cat a specific name.
😻It is a book about The Cat observing hoomans in his daily life.
😻A lot of underlying messages. I was fascinated how the author actually predicted how humans would lead their lives in the future, that is the present day. He wrote in early 1900. For example about marriage. Many nowadays in some cultures would find marriage as not relatable and not practical. 🤔
😻The Cat’s hooman was tricked by his friend. The hooman’s friend told an untrue story and the hooman belived his friend. It shows how gullible a person can be. Just because his hooman’s friend was the one who told his hooman the story, his hooman straight away believed that the story was true. Like most of us nowadays. Just because someone whom we are close to say something , we often do not check if it is the truth or not.
😻It has quotations from a few well known people.
😻Humans treat every interaction, as a competition. How tedious - The Cat
😻Yes.If it’s just a Bachelor’s Degree. Well, they’re so common - Lady Nose
😻Pay no heed to random people. The true seed of your anger is your battle against yourself - Yagi Dokusen
😻That’s what it means to be human. When they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own - The Cat
❤️I am glad that I decided to read the Manga first then only consider if I want to read that thick book!
❤️The ending? I don’t like it 😭 Why must it end that way!? Why? 😭
😻It is a book about The Cat observing hoomans in his daily life.
😻A lot of underlying messages. I was fascinated how the author actually predicted how humans would lead their lives in the future, that is the present day. He wrote in early 1900. For example about marriage. Many nowadays in some cultures would find marriage as not relatable and not practical. 🤔
😻The Cat’s hooman was tricked by his friend. The hooman’s friend told an untrue story and the hooman belived his friend. It shows how gullible a person can be. Just because his hooman’s friend was the one who told his hooman the story, his hooman straight away believed that the story was true. Like most of us nowadays. Just because someone whom we are close to say something , we often do not check if it is the truth or not.
😻It has quotations from a few well known people.
😻Humans treat every interaction, as a competition. How tedious - The Cat
😻Yes.If it’s just a Bachelor’s Degree. Well, they’re so common - Lady Nose
😻Pay no heed to random people. The true seed of your anger is your battle against yourself - Yagi Dokusen
😻That’s what it means to be human. When they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own - The Cat
❤️I am glad that I decided to read the Manga first then only consider if I want to read that thick book!
❤️The ending? I don’t like it 😭 Why must it end that way!? Why? 😭
January 30, 2022
This is the Manga edition of Soseki's classic 'I Am A Cat' written in 1905.
The book starts boring, with a lot of bullying. Several pages describing an ugly nose of a woman. I was on the verge of quitting. However, the second half turns out to be brilliant. while the book is still plotless, the ideas of the author were very strong discussing topics of life and death, women and marriage; modernity and individualism; all narrated by a wise funny cat who has no name.
The end is very powerful. Excellent contrast of tragedy in a comic context.
Artwork - the Cat art is so cute, the reader would want to reach out to the pages to pet it/him/her/they.
Few quotes:
"The curse of modern world. A talented man is defeated by talent, a wise man by wisdom..."
"It hard to die but much harder if you can't die..."
"Marriage will also be obsolete in the future..."
"If children are such a bother, he should never have had them. but he is a human, when they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own."
"I could struggle for a hundred years and not get out. the pain comes from fighting the inevitable. it is ridiculous to continue my torture..."
"Only in death can one truly be at peace."
The book starts boring, with a lot of bullying. Several pages describing an ugly nose of a woman. I was on the verge of quitting. However, the second half turns out to be brilliant. while the book is still plotless, the ideas of the author were very strong discussing topics of life and death, women and marriage; modernity and individualism; all narrated by a wise funny cat who has no name.
The end is very powerful. Excellent contrast of tragedy in a comic context.
Artwork - the Cat art is so cute, the reader would want to reach out to the pages to pet it/him/her/they.
Few quotes:
"The curse of modern world. A talented man is defeated by talent, a wise man by wisdom..."
"It hard to die but much harder if you can't die..."
"Marriage will also be obsolete in the future..."
"If children are such a bother, he should never have had them. but he is a human, when they lack sufficient suffering, they manufacture their own."
"I could struggle for a hundred years and not get out. the pain comes from fighting the inevitable. it is ridiculous to continue my torture..."
"Only in death can one truly be at peace."
February 13, 2023
I have to admit that this book has left me incredibly impressed. The paper is of excellent quality, which makes reading it a delight. The narrative, which is seen through the eyes of an unidentified cat who watches its owner and the guests who enter and leave the owner's home, is both engaging and provocative.
Even though it was a sad conclusion, it made me think of my first cat and triggered feelings I hadn't anticipated. The straightforwardness of the illustrations made it simple to follow along and added to the book's attractiveness overall.
I wholeheartedly urge anyone looking for an exciting and fun read to pick up this manga version of "I Am a Cat." It even motivated me to read the book's original novel form. Overall, Souseki Natsume's writing left me amazed and eager to read more.
Even though it was a sad conclusion, it made me think of my first cat and triggered feelings I hadn't anticipated. The straightforwardness of the illustrations made it simple to follow along and added to the book's attractiveness overall.
I wholeheartedly urge anyone looking for an exciting and fun read to pick up this manga version of "I Am a Cat." It even motivated me to read the book's original novel form. Overall, Souseki Natsume's writing left me amazed and eager to read more.
July 21, 2024
OBSESSED with how the cat is drawn so beautifully, especially this one page that's almost just a spread of the cat lazing around while the people talk. This is my first time owning a manga and experiencing reading a physical copy versus a digital one, and I truly enjoyed how the art brought the original novel to life.
I just wish the ending didn't need the cat dying 😞🙏 I also don't think a cat dies that easily. They have insane survival skills. But, this one is an Orange and will have Orange Behavior. That's why it drank alcohol from the owner's glass and then stumbled, drowned to death in a deep well. Maybe it has something to say of how fickle living is, or how short a cat's life is compared to ours. Not sure if Sōseki is a cat person, but regardless of the ending, there's much to reflect from the cat's sarcastic, dry, and often cattish commentary of the world around.
I just wish the ending didn't need the cat dying 😞🙏 I also don't think a cat dies that easily. They have insane survival skills. But, this one is an Orange and will have Orange Behavior. That's why it drank alcohol from the owner's glass and then stumbled, drowned to death in a deep well. Maybe it has something to say of how fickle living is, or how short a cat's life is compared to ours. Not sure if Sōseki is a cat person, but regardless of the ending, there's much to reflect from the cat's sarcastic, dry, and often cattish commentary of the world around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
This is the first time I read a manga edition of a novel and in general I think it is quite good. The images can obviously replace a lot of words by showing what would otherwise be described. They also help you imagine what the setting may look like, especially if you are not familiar with early 20th century homes in Japan.
The cat perspective was nice, but mostly confined to the beginning of the book. As the story progresses, the cat in a way retreats to the background. Also, it shifts from typical cat behaviour to a more human character in a cat body. Both may be related to the story line, though.
The main storyline seemed quite bizarre to me with the kind of manipulation going on around marriage proposals. Maybe it is a critique of the society of the time.
In general, this book is between 3 and 4 stars for me.
The cat perspective was nice, but mostly confined to the beginning of the book. As the story progresses, the cat in a way retreats to the background. Also, it shifts from typical cat behaviour to a more human character in a cat body. Both may be related to the story line, though.
The main storyline seemed quite bizarre to me with the kind of manipulation going on around marriage proposals. Maybe it is a critique of the society of the time.
In general, this book is between 3 and 4 stars for me.
April 15, 2024
The dual acts of translation here - from novel to manga, and from Japanese to English - resulted in a muddled mess. It's frequently difficult to tell who's speaking, but very little appears to come from the perspective of the titular cat.
I suspect the original novel (which I haven't read) makes a coherent argument about the philosophy of human nature. The English manga version does not, leaving the bare bones plot to stand - poorly - on its own, wrapped up with a jarring and unpleasant ending that hastily sums up the moral of the story as "life sucks, and then you die."
The only bright spot is that this manga introduced me to the Wikipedia page for the original novel, which is a much better read than the manga itself: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_...
I suspect the original novel (which I haven't read) makes a coherent argument about the philosophy of human nature. The English manga version does not, leaving the bare bones plot to stand - poorly - on its own, wrapped up with a jarring and unpleasant ending that hastily sums up the moral of the story as "life sucks, and then you die."
The only bright spot is that this manga introduced me to the Wikipedia page for the original novel, which is a much better read than the manga itself: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_...
November 30, 2024
First, I haven't read the original book yet, so I can't comment on whether or not this is a good adaption. I definitely felt like I was missing a lot of the story, but that's mainly due to knowing how long the original book is vs. how relatively short this manga is. I enjoyed the story (except that ending) for the fun little slice-of-life soap opera it was, so much chatty gossip, especially the men! That cracked me up. The art is really gorgeous! I wish this had been longer to include more of the original story. I'd still recommend this, but know it will be better if you've read the novel first, this feels like it skips a lot (but I'd say it gives the flavor of the novel pretty well). 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
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