Description

‘Remarkable’ New York Times
‘No one is better than Simenon at showing how banal domestic conflict can lead to murderous catastrophe’ Financial Times

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, Emile and Marguerite live in total silence. After a hasty marriage in their sixties, their uneasy peace was shattered when Emile’s beloved cat mysteriously disappeared and was later found dead. Branding his wife the culprit, Emile’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.

Publisher Review

A quite wonderful study of how uncompromising humans become in their old age … This novel has been given the label of “classic” for a reason. The writing is rich, the plot is interesting – Simenon, is his infinite literary wisdom, ticks all the boxes of fine storytelling. But it’s the depth of character that boosts it from good to great … If you’ve already read Simenon, it’s a reminder of his talent. And if you haven’t, think of The Cat as a gateway drug * The Sunday Times * Simenon’s skill is such that he never misses a trick in this brilliant study of old age, of obsession and of a human relationship gone wrong. The novel is done with great economy, and the author’s psychological perceptions are sharper than ever. It is a remarkable achievement by a remarkable writer * New York Times * One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories * Guardian * Exquisite, amazing books… brilliantly executed… a master — Cillian Murphy Irresistible… read him at your peril, avoid him at your loss * Sunday Times * A great writer of detail, of atmosphere. His descriptions of Paris influenced me — Leila Slimani * Financial Times * The romans durs are extraordinary: tough, bleak, offhandedly violent, suffused with guilt and bitterness, redolent of place . . . utterly unsentimental, frightening in the pitilessness of their gaze, yet wonderfully entertaining — John Banville The novels brim with atmosphere, insight and intelligence . . . quite unlike anything else written before or since — India Knight * The Times *