My Father, the Cat

Henry Slesar’s My Father, the Cat opens with an irresistible oddity: a delicate Breton widow marries a cultured white Angora named Dauphin, and their son Etienne delivers a wry, beguiling account of life raised between human fragility and feline refinement. Set against the faded glories of provincial Brittany and the shadow of aristocratic memory, this short story blends fantasy and literary satire as it explores identity, class, and the consolations of imagination. Slesar’s crisp voice and dark humor animate a world where manners, memory, and the absurd collide—Dauphin speaks several languages, keeps household counsel, and prompts questions about what makes a family real. The tale balances whimsy and poignancy without ever abandoning its sly moral curiosity, inviting readers to consider how storytelling reshapes loss and lineage. Ideal for listeners who enjoy literary short fiction, magical realism, and gentle satire, My Father, the Cat is perfect for fans of character-driven, imaginative tales and anyone who appreciates a quietly strange, beautifully narrated exploration of belonging.