Recently I tried to read an online reader copy of Sassy Cats by Yamada Murasaki (translated by Ryan Holmberg). It totally looked like something I would read. But I think I am going to have to find a finished copy in November as I just could not grasp what Muraskai was putting down.
There was a long intro (which I started, then skipped, I figured I could go back) and then a few wordless images of cats. So far, okay. Not WOW, but I’m into it. Then there is a story. A person is holding a cat, there is another person standing next to them, and another cat. Manga/anime style images show them just there. Then there is a voice bubble. But who is speaking? I am guessing the cat as they are being held and it is about not dropping “them/me.” But then it looks like the cat is talking to the other cat. I said, “Self, I don’t think we will finish this, in this format.” Things were not working out.
Maybe this was because of when they were originally published (via publisher description: Originally serialized from 1979 to 1980) as Japan would have had a certain style at the time and it might not have been something that would “click” with a modern audience. Maybe the translation wasn’t for me. I have trouble with some translations. Not that anything is wrong with them, just my reading ear can’t “hear” that particular translation well. Maybe it was just something that needed to be “in hand” and not read on a screen.
Whichever the reason (or some combination of all), I am putting it down, for now. Perhaps had I read the introduction and commentaries up to the point I did make it, that could have helped. But I will say that I think there is an audience out there. Especially if you like Japanese writers, illustrators, cats, or something different. If it helps, I do enjoy the cover art as it is what grabbed my attention in the first place as it has appeal and pulled me into it.
