Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair - Lucy Knisley - ★★★★.½

AUTHOR: Lucy Knisley

GENRE: Graphic Novel

PUBLICATION DATE: July 2, 2024

RATING: 4.5 stars.

In a Nutshell: A purr-fect book for all cat lovers, though the ending is somewhat bittersweet. Much recommended!

I grabbed this graphic comic book for the title (Love the use of “Woe!” as a substitute meow!), the cat on the cover (I adore dogs, but cats come a close second), and the author (loved her graphic memoir: “Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos”) In other words, I didn’t read the blurb and totally judged the potential of the book based on these superficial factors. And guess what?! This time, it worked!

I have not had the pleasure of reading Knisley’s online Linney comics as I am rarely aware of web-based comics. But apparently, this is a hardcover edition containing all Linney comics, collected in a single book for the very first time.

Linney was adopted by the family at an older age, so she came preloaded with catty attitude. She knows that her requirements are foremost, and the humans exist merely to service her demands. I love how Linney is given a somewhat royal tone, so every time a speech bubble comes in her first-person perspective, she sounds just as condescending and snooty as cats would if they could talk.

You don’t need to be an ailurophile to enjoy this book, though being one would certainly help you understand Linney’s behaviour even more. The author’s fondness for Linney is very clear, as is her understanding of the cat’s personality. Be it Linney’s thoughts or emotions or actions, the author seems to have captured everything with perfection.

The author's preschooler son also makes a regular appearance in the book, raising the cuteness factor exponentially. There is also a friendly dog whose enthusiasm for Linney is as hilarious as Linney’s repugnance for him.

Most of the story is cute and funny, but the ending is somewhat bittersweet. This doesn’t reduce the impact of the book as there is a foreshadowing of what’s to come in the introductory note as well as repeated references to Linney’s being an older cat. But it is still sad to read. I can’t imagine how the author dug up the mental fortitude to pen that section; it must have been so painful. I hope she found healing by sketching it.

As the above might lead to some tears while reading, I am glad the book doesn’t end at that point, but proceeds to a finish with a happier memory.

The illustrations are quite simple, but funny and totally apt for the book. As the author rightly says, cats have no predefined shape, so you don’t draw a cat, but you draw the personality of a cat. Goes without saying that the author has nailed Linney’s royal personality in every sketch.

The only thing I am not sure about is why this is labelled a teen book. While there is nothing age-inappropriate in the story, the content is universal and will appeal to every cat lover. At the same time, the ending might be a little upsetting to some sensitive kids. I would rather label this a generic/adult graphic novel than as a children’s or teen’s title.

A teeny complaint: I wish a photo of the actual Linney had been included at the end of the book.

This book was read jointly with the two not-so-little readers at home and the three of us loved it equally. We laughed heartily at Linney’s pompous dialogues and her antics, and had a sad smile on our faces at the end.

Definitely recommended to all cat parents, pet parents, and animal lovers and to those who enjoy funny animal books.

My thanks to Random House Graphic and NetGalley for the DRC of “Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.