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We are happy to share new international praise for Katja Kettu’s THE INVESTIGATIONS OF A CERTAIN CAT!
Recently published in both Germany and Estonia this novel combines historical storytelling, magical realism, and accurately and sharply recounts the pain of a miscarriage and the nearly futile attempts to carry on after such a tragedy. It received great praise right after publication in both countries from critics and readers alike:
“Katja Kettu’s raw, direct style remains moving, and the magical realism helps tell this personal story.”
– BÜCHERmagazin, Germany
“Kettu’s language is raw and physical, the pain spills from the pages together with a touch of magic.”
– Katia Schingshandl, Buchkultur, Germany
“An impressive book. Certainly not an easy read – but one that is absolutely worth it.”
– @shizu_reads, Germany
“How bold to tell the story exactly like this—and Kettu’s tone, which is idiosyncratic without feeling mannered, and Tanja Küddelsmann’s translation—I found both absolutely fantastic. Their shared joy in language, the richness of imagination, and the seriousness of the text make it an experience. A rare one. One that stands entirely on its own. And honestly—this cover from @weissbooksverlag? Absolute knockout.”
– @petrasbuecherapotheke, Germany
“Reading [it] left my soul tender, there was sadness and pain, but also something beautiful, bright. [—] I like books like this.”
– Pille raamatu ja kassiga book blog, Estonia
“It is Kettu’s rich language that carries the power of the story, gives force and colour to that which it describes, is occasionally pressed into one’s memory, whirls in one’s thoughts and squeezes one’s heart. The near-mythological hand and its repeating motives remain with the reader even after closing the book.”
– Ülle Kiivet, editor, in Postimees newspaper, Estonia
“Sublime language, an enchanting translation.”
– Kirjakoi book blog, Estonia
The Investigations of a Certain Cat has been sold to 10 territories!
Rights are still available for France, Poland, Netherlands, Japan, Greece, Spain, US, UK, etc!
To support your decision, we have the German edition, an English sample and synopsis.
Request materials for The Investigations of a Certain Cat here!
The Investigations of a Certain Cat
Katja Kettu
Katja Kettu’s stunning novel spins through ages whilst surrendering to the wilderness of nature and the deep yearning for offspring.
Can one find solace and meaning in life from the past once the future no longer exists?
An Author has a miscarriage and loses their ability to speak and write. From the Investigative Bureau of Heavens, a Detective is sent to the scene, but something goes awry. Soon, in the corner of the room, there appears Cat who starts examining a mysterious diary that once belonged to the Author’s Great Grandmother.
When a new life has been lost, the Author turns their gaze to the past and to the age-old words of creation in the old Finnish outskirts. The one who knows them, Great Grandmother, has the power of healers. The Great Grandmother’s diary sheds light on birth and death, love towards children, and the strength of heritage in one’s blood.
Combining autofiction and elements of magical realism, Katja Kettu’s latest novel also sheds light on the history of the Finnish frontiers.
THE INVESTIGATIONS OF A CERTAIN CAT
ERÄÄN KISSAN TUTKIMUKSIA
Otava, 2023, 380 pp.
READING MATERIALS
English sample and synopsis
German edition
Finnish manuscript
RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
CZECHIA: ARGO
DENMARK: Lindhardt og Ringhof
ESTONIA: Koolibri
GERMANY: Weissbooks
HUNGARY: Gondolat
ITALY: Mondadori
NORWAY: Pax Forlag
ROMANIA: Humanitas Fiction
SWEDEN: Albert Bonniers Förlag
