Cat

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

An acerbic tale of marital warfare and emotional estrangement, in a brilliant new translation

In the oppressive silence of the sitting room, the woman finally smoothed out the paper and, without putting on her glasses, read the two words her husband had written-

The cat.

Amidst the din of their Parisian neighbourhood, mile and Marguerite live in total silence. After a hasty marriage in their sixties, their uneasy peace was shattered when mile's beloved cat mysteriously disappeared and was later found dead. Branding his wife the culprit, mile's retaliation against Marguerite's cherished parrot sparked a silent battle of wills. Now they live parallel lives, communicating only through spiteful notes, mocking glances and mute accusations. As their suspicion and resentment mount, this bitter game of psychological warfare becomes a twisted necessity, binding them together in a relentless cycle of torment from which there can only be one escape.

First published in 1967, The Cat is a masterful exploration of marital discord, loneliness and the absurdity of human relationships, painting a vivid portrait of two souls trapped in quiet desperation.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9780241808030
Published: November 2025

Number of pages: 160
Width: 135 mm
Height: 216 mm
Depth: 15 mm

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd