The Cat Inside Book Summary

In 'The Cat Inside', William S. Burroughs invites readers into a whimsical exploration of the feline psyche through vivid prose and cutting-edge experimentation. This captivating journey intertwines Burroughs' own cat experiences with a reflection on the nature of consciousness and reality. As he weaves tales of his eclectic adventures with cats, the narrative begs the question: are we truly the masters of our homes, or simply the servants of our pets? With bursts of humor and philosophical insights, Burroughs challenges our perceptions of the everyday world. Delve into this extraordinary work that transforms the mundane into the mysterious, and discover what lies beneath the surface of domestic life.

By William S. Burroughs

Published: 2002

"I’ve always been drawn to the enigma of cats—mysterious creatures that move with grace, embodying a freedom we sometimes forget."

Book Review of The Cat Inside

Best known for the wild, phantasmagoric satire of works like Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs reveals another, gentler side in The Cat Inside. Originally published as a limited-edition volume, this moving and witty discourse on cats combines deadpan routines and dream passages with a heartwarming account of Burroughs's unexpected friendships with the many cats he has known. It is also a meditation on the long, mysterious relationship between cats and their human hosts, which Burroughs traces back to the Egyptian cult of the "animal other." With its street sense and whiplash prose, The Cat Inside is a genuine revelation for Burroughs fans and cat lovers alike.

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I’ve always been drawn to the enigma of cats—mysterious creatures that move with grace, embodying a freedom we sometimes forget.

The Cat Inside

By William S. Burroughs