There exist books that can show us deep truths about the human condition using animals as protagonists. Watership Down, Animal Farm and Felidae are among the best.
Felidae is a story of vivisection, eugenics, serial murder, religion, revenge and the emotional blindness caused by purely logical scientific thought. A suspense filled tale of ethnic cleansing and Ubermensch, in the world of domestic cats.
The hero, Francis, is a wonderfully intelligent and perceptive feline companion to a writer of cheap romances, the human being a very secondary character in the story, a reason for being at the scene of the crimes. The body of a dead tomcat in the garden of his new home isn't the only reason Francis thinks the house move was a bad idea. Bluebeard, a veteran of the neighbourhood, thinks the murderer must be a tinopener (human) but Francis believes otherwise and with the help of the local cats he investigates this death and previous murders while the body count increases. Francis follows clues, witness statements and elegant leaps of logic to uncover a terrifying truth at the heart of their society. His brothers and sisters are meeting violent ends, but the reason why is even more twisted than the scenes of carnage.
I read the book after happening upon a full length animated film of the story. The film was very well done and true to the book. As is almost always the case though, the book is better.
Akif Pirincci understands cats. Not only is the book a superlative thriller, it also gives new insight to the habits and talents of our feline friends. It is an adult tale. Not one to read to the kids at bedtime. Sex and violence feature heavily in the novel, but it is a gorgeous piece of literary fiction, and one I would highly recommend reading. You might be more generous with your pet's diet afterwards.
5/5 stars
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