I initially struggled to sink my teeth into Invisible Kitties - it didn’t read like a novel, or a short story even. It’s only when I realised that Yoyo is actually a poet, and decided for myself that I would read her book as though it were poetry, that I started to enjoy it.

Look - I enjoyed most of it. Yoyo’s style is lyrical, and rings so true to cats and their people. Some “chapters” are odd - almost incomprehensible to me, and I wonder if they make more sense in her native tongue. (Described as “Chinese” - which I assume to be Mandarin, but perhaps the publishers can clarify that.)

All considered, I feel that Yu Yoyo is in league with T.S. Eliot for her descriptions of cats and their antics.

I wanted to love this so bad but just could not get into it. Unfortunately, I did end up DNFing - I'm going to try to go back to it at a later date though.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc. 🫶🏻

I received a review copy of this book from 4th Estate and William Collins via NetGalley for which my thanks.

A short series of connected sketches, all around life with a cat—from a time the narrator has no cat or has one only in her imagination to it materialising into reality and then living with the narrator and her husband, changing life as they know it—this is a book weaving real and fantastical in a whimsical manner with some situations simply changing a perspective on ordinary, everyday occurrences and others going far beyond into complete fantasy territory.

Even before she acquires a ‘dream cat’ who expands so as to fill her whole flat, our narrator imagines ‘cat rain’ where
In a blink of an eye, every cat plummeted in raindrop form. Splish, splosh, splash. … Ten thousand drops of cat rain mean ten thousand kitties. Rain from cats, cats in rain, one and the same. The cat rain vanished as it plopped onto the ground, leaving behind countless paw prints.

In this dream phase for our narrator, cats already share her home (at least in her dreams), they can be planted and grow, just like melons and then are picked, until the day her dream seems to become reality as cat enters her (and her husband’s) life and home.

Living with a cat is like living within a cat: no matter what’s happening outside, you won’t necessarily notice. The cat flat contained only cat and nothing else, not even memory.

And with cat becoming real, we begin to see the different aspects of interaction between cat and the narrator in their every day. Some episodes address what every cat owner may experience, the ‘hunting’ of plants or the kitties becoming ‘invisible’ (even when they’re very much in the house) to being within the cat’s circles—an invisible space that ties cat and human and keeps them ever close and even the animosities (magically turning to friendships) with visiting feline guests. Cat also teaches our narrator lessons in tidiness for he is happy to turn into a toy any stationery she leaves out of place at the end of her work day.

With her poetic and artistic eye, the author also puts interesting spins on the commonest of situations just by changing perspective, for instance, cat sleeping at his favourite window becoming a kind of physical obstacle in the path of the sun that wishes to set but simply can’t—not till cat gives way. The same becomes magical when cat manages to defer the sunset when the narrator and her husband are out later than usual.

Other scenarios are entirely in the realm of imagination be it the cat rain at the start or kitties materialising, not from plants as one might think but also fur balls including those coughed up by the humans living in cats’ company.

This collection of vignettes is very much a tribute to the felines we love and share our lives with—these little beings that often look down on us—capturing their natures—their love and also their selfishness, their need for company but also aloofness—their relationships with us humans and also other felines, all of which add something to our lives that we didn’t even know we needed. This was very different from what I was expecting (the title in fact had me a little worried that it would go into more melancholy territory of loss), about the little things of the every day, sometimes spun into completely magical or quirky moments from the author’s perspective and very enjoyable as a result. The two subtitles that the book has also give one a sense of this: ‘A Feline Study of Fluid Mechanics’ or ‘The Spurious Incidents of the Cats in the Night-Time’!

The illustrations, also by the author, are in the style of doodles and compliment the narrative’s whimsical nature. Translated from the Chinese by Jeremy Tiang (My ARC mentions Jeremy Samuel as the translator but I’m listing the name as on the cover).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Invisible Kitties is a collection of stories and musings on cats by a Chinese author and poet Yu Yoyo that forms itself into a novel that verges on magical realism, about felines and humans' relationship to them.

Invisible Kitties by Yu Yoyo was such a delight to read from beginning to end, And while it is classed as a novel.

However it felt like a series of stories that could be read one after the other like a series but one which could be read out of order.

The 60 chapters were very short ,maybe about a couple of pages bu, each one was written with such love and care that they seemed to be longer, in a good way.

As a cat owner myself it felt such a pleasure to read as each story gave an insight to this mercurial creature that lives with use, that at times seems to be judging us with disgust, with moments of love.

All this makes Invisible Kitties by Yu Yoyo a delight to read and would highly recommend.

Thank you 4th Estate and William Collins | Fourth and Netgalley for the eArc of Invisible Kitties.

Being a cat lover, I loved this little whimsical book full of quirky little tales from a couple who adopted a kitten. It's almost cosmic as some of the little situations are magical and even a bit "out there". Still, You Yoyo portrays how much magic, love and utter joy cats can bring into ones life. I also love the illustrations throughout this book and brings everything to life.

4 stars

This was just the most beautiful book - though fair warning, it's one best enjoyed by those lucky enough to have been adopted by a cat at some time.

Written as a series of short vignettes, each one a love story to a different aspect of cat existence, the overall impression for me is that this is a fairy tale for cats, or perhaps a fairy tale written by cats - ever so slightly mad and completely enchanting.

I loved the illustrations throughout and there's a more than hint of surrealism to the author's style of writing but I just love how imaginatively playful the whole book is. Even the most mind-bending of chapters still feels very recognisable if you've ever shared a space with a cat.

We lost our much-loved cat to illness about a year and a half ago and I could not have read this book back then. I'm not even sure I could have read it 6 months ago. But now, I found myself thinking "yes she did that all the time too!" and smiling at the chapters where the author muses on Cat's ability to squeeze into the smallest spaces or enjoyment of playing parkour across the furniture or uncanny ability to be in all rooms at once.

Probably the most unusual book I've read all year and a true love story to our feline friends - definitely a book that I'll be coming back to time and time again.

I thought this was a whimsical style of writing but I couldn't get into it so didn't finish the book. This may be more interesting to cat lovers

What did I just read? Seriously—what was that? I haven’t been this utterly baffled by a book in a long time. I was completely unprepared for what lay ahead, nor could I have guessed or anticipated the sheer level of absurdity within these pages. Yet, here we are—confused, amused, and thoroughly entertained by invisible cats wreaking havoc on my sanity.

This book consists of 62 chapters that tell the story of a married couple and how they ended up with a cat—or, to be more precise, two cats. The chapters are short and snappy, almost like little vignettes that you could easily read aloud as bedtime stories for kids. But the content? Oh, the content. That’s a whole other story. I’ll admit, part of the shock might be my fault; I didn’t research the book much before diving in. The title was so irresistible that I couldn’t say no. And then I started reading. The deeper I got, the more bewildered I became.

A cat that stretches across an entire room. A cat that constantly dies and comes back to life. A cat that defies every known law of physics. And the pièce de résistance? A kitten born from a furball coughed up by the wife. Yes, you read that right. Unexpected. Shocking. Strangely adorable?

It didn’t take long before I started questioning the author’s sincerity. What began as innocent curiosity quickly turned into cautious dread—what other madness could possibly be in store? The author’s imagination truly runs wild here, delivering a fever dream of feline antics that leave you shaking your head in disbelief. In many ways, this feels like the ultimate cat lover’s fantasy, where cats reign supreme and nothing—not logic, not science—can stop them. The story’s narrator and their spouse dive headfirst into this bizarre world, treating their cats like the center of their universe. From a human perspective, it feels unhealthy; from a literary one, you might call it passion. Take your pick.

As for recommendations, I find myself unusually hesitant. On the one hand, I’d suggest it to anyone looking for something absurd, outlandish, and just plain weird. Think of it as a test—see if you can make sense of it. On the other hand, I’m stumped on how to answer the inevitable question: Why should I read this book? It’s surreal, it’s ridiculous, and it will make you chuckle. Maybe it could inspire kids to draw the scenes? It’s worth a try.

In conclusion: proceed with caution! 😊

Thank you so much, NetGalley and 4th Estate and William Collins, for this wonderfully strange and unforgettable reading experience, and for the ARC copy!

Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024/11/11/invisible-kitties-yu-yoyo/

Invisible Kitties is a warm and bizarre read. The book would be perfect for cat lovers or if you are someone curious about cats, you can read this book. Author has shared their deep observations about cats and kitties. There is so much warmth and wisdom in this book. The illustrations are raw and beautiful. Author has shared about their everyday life, dreams, relationship with husband and changes after having a cat. Author has combined philosophy, imagination and daily life experiences. The ending was heartwarming.

Thanks to the publisher and Author

Whether Cat had come from my mind or elsewhere, the truth was inescapable: I was now a person who had a cat. An actual cat. As for why I hadn't had a cat before this, the question no longer seemed important.'

Reading almost like a series of sketches or moments, this story of our narrator, the husband and a couple of cats that they suddenly come to own will appeal to anyone who loves cats or who has owned a cat. (Can you own a cat? Or do they own you?)

Charming, whimsical and a little bizarre, this is a warm and comforting read about, yes, cats but also about companionship and what makes a home a home. It's slightly surreal outlook makes it different enough from other 'cat genre' books, and that is one of its charms. A definite 4 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

Invisible Kitties is an ode to cats, and their way of life. This collection of small tales about cats from Chinese poet Yu Yoyo and translated Jeremy Tiang is a must for cat lovers.

A couple adopt a kitten, and their lives are turned upside down by the adventures of this kitten. Told in vignettes, with an almost dream like quality, the kitten moves between our reality and magical places, finding friends, being playful and causing chaos. Fantastical and poetic, the strangeness of cats is explored in this short, quirky book.

I hate having to DNF an ARC but sadly I've been trying to read this for a month now and I just don't think this book is for me.

I thought the premise of Invisible Kitties was interesting when I got the email offer of the ARC hence why I have decided to request for it. However, I just found myself not connecting to this book at all. I knew this book was blurbed as whimsical but the mood and the vibe of the story was just not that at all so I'm confused on which part of this book would be categorized as whimsical. Also the lack of narrative structure in this book was also another reason for my disconnect. I'm not a picky reader by any means and I love love love when books have interesting format but the disconnect between the chapters here (I'm calling it chapters because they're numbered) threw me off guard so many times especially with how a chapter could end so abruptly. I think if the book was blurbed as short stories or the chapters are not numbered like it's a continuous story, I would understand this book a little better.

I read a lot of Japanese books especially those about cats in fact if there is a new one out I will probably read it.
I was disappointed in this book as it was very quirky and if I am honest that put me off. Now I like Japanese books that are off the wall but this one was just pushing it a bit much and so lost me totally so much so that I gave up on the book - which for me is unusual
I am sure many will like it but it was not for me.

Thank you so much for granting me early access to this gem of a book.
This charming little novel—translated from the Chinese and delightfully short—is all about cats, and as a proud cat veteran (four and counting, though currently cat-less), it took me right back to my own furry friends. Each tiny chapter feels like a love letter to the quirks and mysteries of cats. The author captures their every move, from their chirping window watch to their majestic stretches (okay, maybe not quite as long as the magical, meter-stretching cats here, but close enough).
There’s a hint of magical realism, with cats ballooning and bending in whimsical ways, yet everything else is spot on, especially her descriptions of life with Cat and Kitten, and the funny little routines shared with her husband. There’s no real plot, no explanations—just pure, cat-loving joy and observation. It’s like a dreamy love song to cats, and as a fellow cat lover, I’m here for every word.

DNF @50%

Your enjoyment of this book will depend on your expectations, and your tolerance for obsessive anthropomorphic whimsical, and often fantastical, rumination on what it is to be Cat.

The blurb says:
“When a young couple accidentally comes into possession of a playful kitten, their daily routine (and cramped apartment) is turned upside down. Soon they find their existence forever altered.”

This implies that there is narrative structure - but if you’re hoping for a story, you’ll be disappointed. This is not a novel. The book consists of 60 vignettes. While the first 5 contain the essence of a story - where dreaming about a cat becomes the acquisition of Cat - the next 26 (because that’s how far I read) are isolated observations on some aspect of the behaviour or essence of Cat.

They’re not without charm; they are whimsical, fantastical, imaginative, poetic, and all show a deep appreciation for what it is to be Cat. The presentation is also lovely, with each vignette being matched with a small illustration by the author. And it is an achievement in itself to have created 60 little metaphorical meditations on our feline companions in all their mystery.

But for all of that, I didn’t find it particularly engaging. I stopped reading half way through because I found myself skimming over the text - and the poetic nature of the text, and lack of narrative, made continuing a pointless activity. This book is almost certainly best appreciated in small morsels. Perhaps while you’re sat in the smallest room in the house. But to say “this would make a good bathroom book” doesn’t feel like much of a recommendation.

My thanks and apologies go to #NetGalley 4th Estate/William Collins, and the author, for the free review copy of Invisible Kitties in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I went into reading this book expecting a typical story based on the synopsis I read, but INVISIBLE KITTIES was something quite different. A collection of tales charting a couple and the cats they know and love, it has a very strong fable element to its narrative. The scenes that are depicted will ring many bells with cat owners and cat lovers, but the anecdotes in each chapter are sometimes completely bizarre, venturing into mythical, magical, utter fantasy territory that at times reminded me of Studio Ghibli productions. For me personally, I could just not get on with this tone. Again, I think a lot of it was because I went into it expecting something completely different to what it is, so the way the book is packaged and promoted might be a little off, but if you love cats and fairy tales and magical elements, I expect you might really enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me. My thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.

This book is maybe one of the strangest, yet captivating books I’ve ever read.

This book follows the story of couple who started off without cats and end up with a kitten that had been abandoned. At first I was very confused as the book doesn’t always say exactly what it means. This book is basically written in metaphors.

However, if you’ve ever owned a cat, you will understand this book and you undoubtedly love it!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for granting me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

A quick read about a cat owner and their cat. At times fantastical and mythical, the short chapters are endearing. Written with vivid poetic imagery it’s hard not to believe that cat is really doing these magical things. The joy and fulfilment the owners get from sharing their home with cat is very heart warming. A lovely book that is a real ode to cats and living with them.

A fun whimsical read about owning a cat, cat behaviours and cute moments.
It wasn't quite what I thought but it was cute and I don't even own a cat. I do want one now though

Well, it's certainly different!

I found this book too surrealist for my taste. Of course as it is translated from the Japanese I was expecting it to be different to western writing. At times it is more whimsical and that I was okay with. I can relate to some of the descriptions of cat behaviour and those I enjoyed.

I think you need to be a cat lover to even pick up this book. For many cat lovers it would be the perfect gift. It's a short read with lots of drawings and paw prints on the pages.