‘This is fun – a novel told from the point of view of Berry, a cat driven mad with jealousy when its owner’s one-night stand turns into something more. The action kicks off when Ivy, a lonely and hard-pressed doctor in A&E, falls for one of her patients after stitching up his head wound.
‘Given the book’s concept, it’s slightly peculiar that this is the one part of the storyline that most requires suspension of disbelief, but revelations from Ivy’s backstory serve to justify her actions by letting us glimpse her grief over a boyfriend in her past.
‘The writing is so engaging in any case, with delicious layers of irony as we watch the uncanny love triangle develop, entirely unknown to Ivy and her new beau, whose bedroom entanglements are spied on by Berry with bewilderment and dismay. Comedy, jeopardy and sadness in abundance’
Anthony Cummins, Daily Mail
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‘I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect when I began this novel but reading this unique prose, I was quickly enveloped into Ivy and Berry’s world. Chapters alternate between the perspective of Ivy, a struggling A&E doctor, and Berry, her cat. Ivy lives a solitary life, a life which Berry enjoys, but when Ivy meets ‘the Geologist’ Berry detects a threat and does everything within his cat-esque powers to protect Ivy. The story alternates between Ivy’s past and present, helping us to understand how she’s ended up in her current position, and her unusual relationship to her cat.
‘It’s clear that Spencer is a poet. The use of rhyme, rhythm and onomatopoeia permeates this story and it really affected the way I experienced the book. Berry, of course, is a key character. I found it interesting the way Berry would fluctuate between catlike and humanlike behaviour, an observation I’d never considered before about cats. I found it interesting that the actual name of ‘the Geologist’ is used sparingly, and also how Ivy’s previous partner is constantly referred to either by his full name, ‘Ian Keele’ or just his surname. The use of language is so particular, it meant I had a crystal clear mental image of Ivy’s kitchen, garden and bedroom, yet I pictured ‘the Geologist’ to be something of a headless being. In not regularly using his name, I felt I couldn’t see him entirely, creating a layer of distance that was effective when developing his and Ivy’s relationship.
‘This is a unique debut which made me think of authors such as Max Porter and Rainer Maria Rilke. I’m excited to see what’s next for Spencer, for this certainly is a triumph.’
Helen Daniels, The Debut Digest
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‘This is a thought-provoking and sensitive book about moving forwards – it’s less cosy than some of the other cat fiction but still tackles important themes around living well.’
Francesca Brown, Stylist
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‘Okay, feline fiction fans — this one’s for you.
‘Cat Lover by Dan Spencer is not your average cute-cat-on-the-cover story. It’s a dark, clever, and strangely beautiful tale told from two perspectives: Ivy, a solitary A&E doctor, and Berry, her fiercely protective cat.
‘When Ivy invites a man home one night, known only as the Geologist, Berry senses danger. What follows is a gripping mix of jealousy, grief, love, and instinct, all seen through the sharp eyes of a creature who might just understand humans better than we think.
‘Published by Atlantic Books last year, this one gives both heart and bite in equal measure. If you’re a cat person, prepare to look at your own furry companion a little differently after this…
‘And if that cover isn’t enough to draw you in then are you even a cat lover?
‘Cat Lover is witty, unsettling, and oddly moving, a reminder that no one sees us quite the way our pets do.
‘Perfect for readers who love something a little offbeat, psychological, and emotionally layered.’
Claire Rowden, Secret World of a Book
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‘Purrscription of Cat Lover: Come meet a new fur friend of ours — Berry, who sounds exactly like us: cheeky and adorable.
‘Purrscribed for:
- Cat lovers and pet-obsessed readers who enjoy stories told from an animal’s point of view
- Fans of quirky, character-driven contemporary fiction, similar to books by Matt Haig and Fredrik Backman, where charm, emotion, and gentle comedy intersect
- Readers who enjoy light, romantic stories with a twist, particularly those who like domestic settings and unconventional narrators
- Romantic-comedy readers who enjoy unconventional obstacles
‘Treats:
- Quiet ache of loneliness
- Fear of letting someone new into your life
- Disbelief that companionship can arrive in the most unexpected ways
‘This lit-med receives 🐾🐾🐾🐾 of approval from me.’
Vano’s Bookish Purrs
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‘An intriguing and enjoyable read, great for all those with a feline friend.’
Dubray Books, Dubray Recommends
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‘Clever and unputdowable, it left me thinking about it long after I’d finished. Cat Lover is hugely entertaining and provocative; it’s a thing of beauty.’
Brian Conaghan, author of Treacle Town
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‘Acutely observed and brimming with wit and pathos, Dan Spencer’s prose is startling, vivid, and alive.’
Iain Maloney, author of In the Shadow of Piper Alpha
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Dan Spencer, writer 