Mary Gaitskill’s Lost Cat begins with a heartbreaking reflection: “Last year I lost my cat Gattino. He was very young, at seven months barely an adolescent. He is probably dead but I don’t know for certain.” This profound book-length essay, the closest Gaitskill has come to writing a memoir, tells the poignant story of rescuing a stray cat in Italy, bringing him to the US, and grappling with his sudden disappearance. Through Gattino’s story, Gaitskill delves into the complex layers of attachment, grief, and acceptance.

Why You Should Read Lost Cat

Here are compelling reasons to pick up this emotionally resonant essay:

1. Explore Deep Emotional Truths: Gaitskill’s raw, unflinching examination of loss and vulnerability resonates with anyone who has faced grief and uncertainty.
2. Masterful Storytelling: Known for her sharp, evocative prose, Gaitskill weaves personal anecdotes with universal themes of love, safety, and fear.
3. A Unique Memoir Experience: Unlike traditional memoirs, Lost Cat blends narrative with introspection, offering a fresh, thought-provoking reading journey.
4. Insight into Complex Relationships: The book extends beyond Gattino’s loss, exploring Gaitskill’s experiences fostering two inner-city siblings, adding depth to the exploration of human connections.
5. Reflective and Cathartic: This essay serves as a mirror for readers to reflect on their own experiences with attachment, making it both healing and transformative.