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Soseki Natsume's I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition

The tale of a cat with no name but great wisdom!
By Soseki Natsume
Series: Tuttle Japanese Classics In Manga
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition by Soseki Natsume follows the observations and musings of a nameless cat living with a teacher and his household. Through the feline's perspective, readers gain a satirical and humorous insight into the peculiarities of human society and the intricacies of early 20th-century Japanese culture. This manga adaptation brings the classic tale to life with vivid illustrations, capturing the wit and charm of the original story.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this graphic novel if you're intrigued by witty and satirical takes on human nature, all seen through the perspective of a whimsical feline observer. The manga art style breathes new life into the classic story, capturing the humour and poignant insights of the original work.

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Soseki Natsume's I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Japan's beloved literary masterpiece brought to life in manga form!

Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirises the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society in early 20th century Tokyo. Written with biting wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a rather cynical stray kitten. He finds his way into the home of an English teacher, where his running commentary on the follies and foibles of the people around him has been making readers laugh for more than a century.

This is the very first manga edition in English of this classic piece of Japanese literature. The story lends itself well to a graphic novel format, allowing readers to pick up on the more subtle cues of the expressive cat, while also being immersed in the world of his perceptive narration. It is true to classic manga form and is read back to front.

The cast of characters includes:

  • Kushami - His master, who is not good at his job and quite stupid
  • The Kenedas - A conceited couple with a spoiled daughter
  • Meitei - Kushami's friend who is fond of jokes and tall tales
  • A group of local cats including lovely Mikeko and violent Kuro

Beautifully illustrated by Japanese artist Chiroru Kobato, this edition provides a visual, entertaining look at a unique period in Japan's history. It is filled with cultural and societal changes, rapid modernisation, and a feeling of limitless possibility – all seen through the eyes of an unlikely narrator.

Series: Tuttle Japanese Classics In Manga

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Soseki Natsume's I Am A Cat: The Manga Edition is praised for its charming and lively artwork, making it a delightful introduction to the original satirical classic. The manga offers an accessible way for readers to experience Soseki's wit and humour while enjoying the endearing portrayal of its feline protagonist.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9784805316573

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 September 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Tuttle Publishing

Illustration: b&w illustrations; reads right-to-left, in the Japanese style

Contributors:

  • Translated by Zack Davisson
  • Illustrated by Chiroru Kobato

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 312g

Pages: 208

Collections

Biography & Memoir Fiction Graphic Novels Manga Series: Tuttle Japanese Classics In Manga Soseki Natsume

About the Author

Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) is considered the most significant writer in modern Japanese history (he is sometimes called "the Japanese Mark Twain"). Soseki was born in Tokyo and, upon graduating from Tokyo University, worked as an English teacher in a small provincial town. He was sent to London for three years by the Japanese government in 1900 on the first English literary scholarship, where he developed a love for Shakespeare and Dickens. Returning to take up a position at Tokyo University, Soseki began his writing career with Botchan, one of his most famous works, along with I Am a Cat and Kokoro. He is the only Japanese author referred to by his personal name (Soseki) and not his family name (Natsume), and his image appears on the Japanese 1,000 yen note.

Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and folklorist. He is the author of books like Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan, Yurei: The Japanese Ghost, and Yokai Stories, and the translator of books like Soseki Natsume's I Am a Cat and Shigeru Mizuki's multiple Eisner Award-winning Showa: a History of Japan. In addition, his comic work includes Demon Days: X-Men from Marvel, Wayward from Image, and The Art of Star Wars Visions from Dark Horse. He has lectured on manga, folklore, and translation at numerous colleges and contributed to exhibitions at numerous museums. He currently lives in Seattle, WA with his wife Miyuki, dog Mochi, cat Shere Khan, and several ghosts.

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