I Am a Cat: Volume One (1)

Originally written at the beginning of the twentieth century, Soseki Natsume’s masterpiece is a brilliant satirical novel told from the perspective of an unnamed stray kitten who gets adopted by an eccentric, middle-class teacher. Living in Meiji-era Japan, this highly observant feline narrator watches his owner and a colorful cast of visiting intellectuals, offering sharp-witted commentary on their domestic dramas, intellectual pretensions, and the confusing clash between traditional Japanese culture and rapid Westernization.

What makes this edition truly remarkable is the vibrant new translation by Nick Bradley, which breathes fresh life into Soseki’s classic humor. The narrative voice is delightfully cynical, dry, and philosophical, capturing the feline’s superior attitude toward human folly. Through this unique animal lens, the novel transforms ordinary social interactions into a series of hilarious, deeply insightful vignettes about identity and the absurdities of daily life.

This book is a wonderful choice for readers of classic world literature, fans of Japanese fiction, and anyone who appreciates dry humor. It also makes an exceptional gift for cat lovers who suspect their own pets are secretly judging them.