Only the Cat Knows

by Ruyan Meng

This harrowing and extraordinary story, based on a true event, is part of a series of tales illuminating the microcosm of all humanity contained in a typical Chinese “worker village.” Here, an exploited young factory worker has nothing to live for beyond a frail chance of a pay raise. When it never happens, he feels trapped between his family and official greed, indifference, and corruption. He then loses a ten-yuan note in a grain shop and turns desperately manic. While burgling the home of his sister, he is caught and accused by his little niece. Horrorstruck, he performs the action that will seal his fate forever . . .

Genres: Fiction, China

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok this was honestly super messed up so it’s super interesting that it was based on true circumstances. I really loved the writing for the most part, except for the few parts that focused a lot on farting and urinating…that was odd for sure. The only thing I wish is that this were longer, there are so many reactions of different characters that I wish we could’ve seen. I wish we could’ve seen the aftermath of the horrible things that happened.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting and main character in this were super well constructed. Even though it’s short and doesn’t really get “wrapped up” I feel like it will stay with me for a while.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have researched these sorts of things in the past; it seems that Meng has only grazed the tip of the iceberg of how things like what transpires in this book happen, but it is true that this IS a novella and it does seem to encapitulate this time period [the later 20th century] well. I just felt slightly uncomfortable with what she wrote, after imagining what was happening for these people who are just like some of the classmates I have had in my high school classes.

After all, corruption is rife in the system, and still is to this very day, so that COVID-19, RSV, and the other unknown viruses get worse as we talk. Even though this book does NOT mention Chairman Mao or any of the other key political figures I remember researching directly for Chien-laozhi, and things have moved on to other people such as Deng Xiaoping and the figure who is in charge now (Xi Jinping I researched is his name), the undertow pulls along everyone.

Then again, I did like this book after all for how much more kooky vocabulary I researched for it like not chiffon but chiffonier.
My honourable mother and I always watched those quiz shows that have strange words (she found them on the TV Guide, I have no idea when exactly they were on - I think in the middle of the day but who knows). (Edit: Ergo, the sense of filial piety it conveyed...)

She was keen on the word bistro, which we had learned in our Russian studies was an adverb for quickly. (And there is one in this book, so I am concentrating on it over the Islamic conflict on the same page as a peaceful way to remember her.)

My cat Tilly likes this book, too! My other cat Cora can't be found, but she particularly likes this weather. Having watched her actions over some time, it seems she is keeping the property safe from invading other cats more than eating wildlife, but I keep a watchful eye on this.

[Katie Sikkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, way darker than I like to read but so well done. I thought I would be able to read it quickly because of the size but because the writing is so good and the topic heavy, I was just fine not having it be a “one sitting” read!

[Steven Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start, but i felt just as the story started rolling, it quickly fell off the cliff to the end. There is a lot of good description of life of China during 1970s village workers which I thought were interesting. A quick read!

[R.A.Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually wanted to give it a 3-stars since this book doesn’t make me happy, and instead gives me pain and discomfort from the life of the narrator. But that would be unfair because it’s a fairly well-written book. I like the writing style and the simplicity of the story.

[jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredibly suffocating!

[Taryn Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.1/5
An interesting novella set in a 1960s Chinese worker village. Wasn’t a huge fan of the nihilistic and depressing tone of this one…

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically Crime and Punishment but without the punishment part

[Lakin Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, this one will stay with me for a bit

[Mei · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book feels too overwritten, using bigger and more complex words than necessary to bring across a point. I didn’t enjoy it.