BOOK NOOK; Cat Lady by Dawn O'Porter

 "They wouldn't believe me when I told them I was okay alone...When people learned I had my cat, Pigeon, I became subject to the 'Cat Lady' label.  Something that is bashed round quite casually, but it's extremely insulting because no-one means it as a compliment. People are not commenting on the love you feel for your furry friend, they are insinuating that you are lonely and isolated. Possibly even unlovable."

This book appealed to me on so many levels and I was delighted when Harper Collins sent me an ARC of Cat Lady by Dawn O'Porter.  Not only have I been a cat lady myself, being a cat-mom for eighteen years to my feline, Pyewackett, until he sadly died, but as a counsellor and bereavement therapist I have worked with all kinds of grieving clients, including those who have sadly lost their beloved pets.   

Working as a grief counsellor usually means that the loss happened a few months before you meet your client, but while working in an emergency vet practice, I have been there to help clients deal with grief when it is at its most raw, in the moments immediately following a pet's death, usually by euthanasia.  Raw grief is very, very difficult to witness day after day, and losing a pet is a grief like no other, for someone has suddenly lost the only creature who loved them unconditionally. 

Cat Lady is the story of a woman in her forties and her extremely special relationship with her cat, a grey feline she named Pigeon.  Mia is a complex character, married to a man who had a very amenable divorce from his first wife, who is still a strong presence in his new marriage.  Mia tolerates this for the sake of her step-son, but she is irritated by it too. She finds comfort in the companionship of her cat, which she rescued at a difficult time in her life and views as her only real reason for living.  She also participates in a pet bereavement therapy group each week.  

Like many people who have come from a chaotic childhood, Mia finds solace in controlling her life as much as possible, living by lists, organization and schedules.  She dutifully pencils in sex with her husband, twice a week, every week, feeling that this is what it takes to be a good wife.  But it is in Pigeon's company that she can be her true self and where she finds the love and friendship she craves.

At times this book reminded me of Bridget Jones, because Mia is that same type of zany character, but while Bridget reclaimed the single woman narrative,  Mia is out to reclaim the cat lady, subverting the stereotype and making sure the lady lands on her feet! 

I laughed and cried my way through this fabulous book. Obviously it brought back both fond and difficult memories of my own cat, Pyewackett, pictured above. Wasn't he handsome? Just look at those whiskers!  But I'm so glad I read this novel, if only because it reminded me of how lucky I was to have had him for so many years.  As the book says, 'The kindness of strangers can get you to the next place you are supposed to be.'  Sometimes that stranger is a new pet. 

Cat Lady is full of humorous moments, as well as being quite an emotional read at times, especially if you have ever built your life around a cat, because they absolutely refuse to accept second place!  It will make you laugh out loud in some parts, while in others you will be quietly sniffling into a tissue.  Mia is both a successful career women and slightly nuts, so when her life takes a turn for the worst, she handles  it in her own entirely unique way, which is very entertaining to read.  I really enjoyed this novel and it is one I will re-read whenever I miss Pye too much.  It might even inspire me to get another cat! You never know!

Wishing you a purrrfect weekend!

Marie x

AD; This book was sent to me by the publisher for the purposes of review.  It will be published on 27th October 2022 and is up for Pre-Order now on Amazon.  The cover is subject to change.