Reviews

Deplorable Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions by Yeoh Jo-Ann

slugabed's review

dark emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aryaaareads's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was an emotional rollercoaster, made me feel a whole lot of emotions all at once. I wish more people read this. If you love Murakami, you might love this!! Highly recommended 🫶🏻

kixes's review

adventurous emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

alxndrhncl's review

3.0

Lucky Lee, a man who seemingly has it all, has his life upended by the sudden death of his sister, Pearl Lee. He must now navigate life without her with Pearl's cat who begins to talk to Lucky, questioning his choices and even his sanity.

The book intricately delves into the theme of grief and portrays how Lucky tries to cope with the profound loss of his sister while simultaneously rediscovering himself. Amidst it all, Lucky tries to find solace in reconnecting with himself and finding meaning in his life beyond the shadow of his sister's legacy. Throughout the narrative, we see Lucky and Coconut form an unexpected bond that becomes instrumental in helping them cope with their grief.

I found it hard to fully connect with Lucky as a character. While his experiences were relatable, there were moments where his actions felt somewhat… stagnant? I was rooting for him throughout the story but the turning point that never came. Now, let’s talk about Coconut. I absolutely ADORED her. Coconut's straightforward and hilarious commentary on Lucky's shenanigans were amusing and entertaining. It served as a distraction from his pain.

Deplorable Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions teaches us how even the most unlikely of companions can provide comfort and companionship in times of need. Lucky needed Coconut, and Coconut needed Lucky. Perhaps, in each other's company, they had unknowingly saved one another.

andreeavis's review

adventurous funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

#𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 | 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝑌𝑒𝑜ℎ 𝐽𝑜-𝐴𝑛𝑛 

My cat, Yeti, is camera-shy and refuses to share his wisdom directly with you. Just like Coconut, the main protagonist of Conversations with Cats and Other Distractions. The new novel released by Penguin SEA shares the story of Lucky Lee, a Singaporean who finds himself in a peculiar situation where Coconut becomes his sole confidant, much to the disbelief of those around him (to whom Coconut refused to talk).

Lucky’s life takes a tragic turn with the loss of his sister Pearl, which leaves him adrift in a sea of grief and solitude. The narrative follows him drifting through life with little direction and responsibility, supported by his father’s wealth and, after his father’s passing, his sister’s. Being alone, only under the critical eye of aunties from his mother’s side (the stereotypical tough-love-Chinese-aunties), Lucky starts a self-discovery journey aided and guided by Coconut. 

Lucky is portrayed as a privileged man-child. Having grown in wealth, he finished architecture but never practised, started multiple business ventures that always ended somehow, and had multiple girlfriends, each one “the one”. Only one thing in his life is actively working, and that’s the coffee shop that he started with two of his friends from architecture college, where he also works a few days a week.

After Pearl’s death, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, which takes him from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and the small village in Malaysia where his father grew up. Coconut is his spiritual guide and emotional support and the two bond deeply during their journey.

While the premise holds promise, the execution falls a bit short for me. At almost 400 pages, the story meanders, and I found it hard to maintain interest, as, despite his grief and self-growth journey, Lucky remains an unlikeable protagonist, displaying a concerning lack of maturity. His inability to take charge of his life becomes grating, overshadowing the potential for character growth (I am not certain the interesting conclusion of the book signifies growth). 

However, amidst the narrative flaws, there are glimpses of charm. The vivid descriptions of Singaporean and Malaysian locales, coupled with tantalising discussions on coffee offer a sensory escape for readers. For enthusiasts of coffee and feline companions, this book will be a joy. I recommend the books for lovers of coffee and cats, ready to take a literary journey through Singapore and Malaysia!