The Meowmorphosis Book Review

         The book I read is called The Meowmorphosis, and is written by Coleridge Cook. It was published in 2011, and was written as a new version of The Metamorphosis, written by Franz Kafka. A man named Gregor Samsa woke up to find he is a cat. He then leaves his family and learns a internal lesson that involves him not standing up for himself to have his own life, and freedom from having to pay off his fathers debt. The theme of this book is you shall have no life of your own if you continue to work for someone else, so forge your own path, and have freedom.

          The story is told by the author, describing Gregor's thoughts and feelings, in 3rd person. It is told from the moment he wakes up, and discovers he has four legs. The intended audience is for college students or higher, and it is a philosophical book, with a little bit of dark fantasy tied in. The book fits into those genres because it is about morals of Gregor, his role he plays/should play in life, and also he turned into a fluffy kitten. Also he had encountered some cats which took him away to his trial in court, and Gregor was quite sluggish as a cat, almost like a stereo-typical zombie. Coleridge keeps the reader interested by having Gregor taken against his will, and also penetrating deeper into his thoughts and his life with his family. Also the authors style is to make it seem that you are experiencing all of the troubles Gregor is having, and that you are there with him. That style is very effective for the readers, because it keeps them engrossed in the book, and it gives more insight about all the different events happening in his life that tie into the worst problem- his lack of freedom. 

           This book effected me by making me think of how some people are so unfortunate to the point where they too are in debt and must slave for the entirety of their lives, just to help pay off some money they owe, therefore dooming further generations into slaving away their lives, instead of choosing the path they would wish to take. I am more fortunate however, and am able to make my own choices, and determine what I would like to do. Because of this book I now am more thankful of the fact that I may do what I please once I am older, and that I don't have to work to pay back money to others. The Meowmorphosis brought back memories of another book I have read, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, because both books are told very specifically from the main character's point of view. Plus the autistic boy in The Curious Incident chose what he wished to do, whereas Gregor was forced to pay money instead of doing what he wished. 

           I loved the way the author described everything in detail, for it seemed you could experience Gregor's life alongside him, or as him. Plus it was a philosophical book, and even though the mood was quite solemn, it still was very enjoyable because it made you wonder about Gregor's role in the world and whether he was going to/meant to change it. I recommend this book for anyone who reads at a college level or higher so as to understand the complex themes more in-depth. Plus if you ever read and enjoy this book, it would be best to read the original to which it was based off of, The Metamorphosis. 

           Sarah Willmann       Dec 17, 2013        4.5 */ 5*