I Am a Cat

Natsume Sōseki · 1867–1916 · Japan

Originally Wagahai wa Neko de Aru (Japanese)

Why it matters

Meiji Japan's intelligentsia observed, with perfect condescension, by a nameless housecat. Sōseki's satirical debut: the collision of East and West narrated from the floor, where the view is clearest.

At a glance

Episodic, digressive essayistic satire loaded with Meiji-era cultural reference.