A review of “Cat and Bird” in 100 words by Catherine Stover
When Kyoko Mori writes about her love for her cats and birds, she doesn’t hold back. Her devotion is unquestionably…well…obsessive. It’s tempting to see her in that light only. However, in an interview, Mori says this, “I think anybody who reads should understand that the most fundamental thing about writing is that the persona in the book is not all of who you are.” She adds, “It’s like a part of who you are, strengthened many times.” Her stories about her animals provides a framework for telling us her own story, which includes childhood trauma. Skillfully, Mori reveals her multidimensionality.
Citation:
Mori, Kyoko. Cat and Bird: a memoir. Belt Publishing, 2024, p. 31.