Review of POETS SQUARE
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In "POETS SQUARE," Courtney Gustafson presents us with a tale that is less about the felines she tends to and more about the untamed wilderness of human emotion and connection—set against the backdrop of a world cloistered by pandemic-induced solitude. This book, though it might appear to be a whimsical account of tending to thirty feral cats, is an exploration of the complex interplay between isolation and community, mirroring the nuanced tapestry of T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," but with a distinctly modern twist.
Gustafson's narrative unfolds with the comforting pace of a leisurely stroll through a neighborhood where each corner holds a new story, much like the episodic nature of life captured in Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City." What Gustafson captures so effectively is not merely the logistics of caring for so many cats but the quiet, almost meditative process of finding one's place in an unfamiliar environment. It's an introspective journey that echoes Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat Pray Love," albeit without the exotic locales—here, the exotic is found in the backyard, under bushes, and atop fences.
One cannot help but draw parallels to Helen Macdonald's "H is for Hawk," where the act of caring for another species becomes a conduit for personal healing and reflection. Gustafson, in her quiet battles with these feral creatures, reveals the universal struggle of forging connections in times of disconnection. The cats, wild as they are, become symbols of freedom and unpredictability—qualities we often long for yet fear in equal measure.
What Gustafson achieves is a narrative that defies the simplicity of its premise. Her prose is unpretentious but richly detailed, inviting readers into her world with the same warmth and openness that she extends to her feline companions. It is a testament to her ability as a storyteller that she can transform what might have been a mundane chronicle into a compelling meditation on life during one of history’s most challenging periods.
"POETS SQUARE" is not just for cat lovers. It will resonate with anyone who has ever felt adrift or sought solace in unexpected places. In this way, it is reminiscent of Jon Katz’s "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm," where animals become mirrors reflecting our deepest fears and desires. Gustafson’s book is ultimately a celebration of resilience and adaptability, qualities that echo throughout the animal kingdom and within us as well.
In conclusion, while Gustafson may not yet be a household name in literary circles, her debut work is a refreshing reminder that even in the most constrained circumstances, there is room for stories that are tender, poignant, and profoundly human. "POETS SQUARE" stands as a quiet triumph—a gentle nudge to all of us to find beauty and companionship wherever we might be, even amidst chaos.
Purchase Link: POETS SQUARE on Amazon
