Overview

"In this sentimental, didactic fable, Masson imagines how the lone, nonsocial, domesticated animal came to share hearth and home. Billi, an Asian leopard cat, lives in a mango forest in ancient India. He enjoys his independence, but he feels pangs of loneliness and curiosity about the ""two-foots."" He learns their languages - Hindi, Malayam and Sanskrit - and he can ""see the appeal of south India's three major religions."" Billi embarks on a quest to learn more about humans by discovering what their animals think of them. A water buffalo mourns being underappreciated; a parrot bemoans his cage; a mongoose tells a chilling story about human ingratitude. Billi reminds a cow that it's worshipped by humans. ""Oh, great,"" the cow says. ""That and five rupees will get you a chapati."" Nine months of travel and no truly good word for humans leaves Billi undeterred and, back home, he seeks out a young girl he'd often watched. It's not easy proving his good intentions or trying to be ""the only animal to have a mutually satisfying relationship with humans,"" but Billi makes it happen in a story that's heartwarming not only for the passionate cat fan but for all readers. A novelette from the author of Raising the Peaceable Kingdom."

Full Product Details

9798888602294

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available