Fe-Lines: French Cat Poems Through The Ages

Published: October 15th 2015

Hardcover, 384 pages

The French have long had a love affair with the cat, expressed through centuries of poetry portraying the animal’s wit and wonder. Norman R. Shapiro lionizes the felines’ limitless allure in this one-of-a-kind collection. Spanning centuries and styles, he draws on she-cats and toms, and an honor roll of French poets, well known and lesser known, who have served as their devoted champions. He reveals the remarkable range of French cat poems, with most works presented here for the first time in English translation. Scrupulously devoted to evoking the meaning and music of the originals, Shapiro also respects the works’ formal structures. Pairing his translations with Olga Pastuchiv’s elegant illustrations, Fe-Lines guides the reader through the marvels and inscrutabilities of the Mystique feline.

First off, huge thanks to NetGalley for introducing and providing me with a review galley. Cats truly make the world go round. They are gorgeous, inquisitive creatures in which we will never fully understand. They are courageous. They are witty. They are kind. They are empathic. They are our true best friends.

The translations make this a perfect fit for both French and English readers. The poems cover everything from song, to fable to basic prose.

This charming collection explores the world of cats. Sometimes eloquent, other times not so much. All throughout, certainly intriguing and would make the forefathers of the poetry proud.

The images of kittens sealed the deal of fantastic for me. Great words about cats, and even more fantastic prose.

Thanks, NetGalley!

This one will be added to my yearly-reads.