Siobhan CarrollRecensioni

A speculative fiction short in which Jeoffrey the Cat battles the Devil for that which is rightfully his—his human's soul. Cat lovers are certain to adore this tale.

A deal with the devil - but with a twist.

Soul bartering and soul selling do make for thrilling stories but the concept of soul-rescuing is even better. I had a ton of questions:

1. Can it be done?
2. Is it permanent?
3. What is the price?

What followed in these few short pages was darn impressive. The devil at the crossroads is such a vivid image that often goes with this story so, For He Can Creep offered up a look behind the curtain where the crossroads can be anywhere and we get a peak into "The Adversary's" process of soul purchasing from pre-sale, during the sale and post soul-sale. And boy was it well executed. The poet was this close to losing his soul in the midst of what an outsider would consider to be a psychotic break.

The Cats - man, I am a dog person first and an animal person second. Cats are the bees knees and they just ooze otherworldliness. They were so catlike in that way that cats are - equal parts avenging angel and cute furball. So, yeah - Jeoffrey, Poppy, Black Tom and Nighthunter Moppet are EPIC heroes.

That cover! by Red Nose Studio

So, the cover drew me right in and favorable reviews made me optimistic, but I listened to almost all of part 1 and I'm going to stop there. It's outside my particular interest and these days I can be picky. Even choosing silence vs. audiobooks which is a rare choice for me.

The cat is a guardian against demons. Protecting patients in an asylum, I guess. One day the devil confronts him regarding him blocking the demons and offers a bargain...

Hugo 2020 Nominations (Best Novelette);

I was tickled pink at the point (not far into page one, of course), when I realized that our main character was, in fact, the cat. I love inventive pov shifts when they are fully fleshed out, and demonstrably different. This story was a traditional face-off with the devil though a poet who has been approached by God and the Devil, separately, to write the Poem of Life (that gives life/creation to everything) or the Poem of Chaos (which will end everything).

I love the addition of the poem equalling the soul of the poet, too. I adore watching our cat succumb to arrogance, to gluttony, to ill, to the planning of saving 'his human.' The three cats he brings in are, also, a delight, especially "NIGHTHUNTER MOPPET." I definitely found this a light, fun read with all the familiar old notes.

This cat's madhouse is in England, so with those accents in mind, this amusing cat point of view story gains a certain depth. I absolutely loved the portrayals, cats, poet and Devil. If you ever enjoyed fairy tales and fables, this is for you.

2.5 stars

First half was a bit meh. Didn't really like the writing style. But it picks up in the second half.

There are other stories I could tell, of the sea battles of Black Tom, of Polly’s foray into opera, and of the Nighthunter Moppet’s epic hunt for Satan’s wig, which left a trail of mischief and misery across London for years.

This is probably not my kind of story but I still found the idea of a bunch of cats fighting Satan to save a human’s soul very entertaining and unique.

Eighteenth century English poet Christopher Smart has been confined to St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics due to "religious mania," i.e., he believes God has commissioned him to write the Divine Poem. Confined to his cell, but equipped with paper, pen, and ink, Smart is working on his Divine Poem, or trying to. He is supported by his cat, Jeoffry, who does not see the point of this poetry stuff, but is devoted to his human.

Jeoffry has the advantage of being able to come and go.

Jeoffry also has the ability to see, and fight with, the demons that haunt the asylum. He can easily chase off the demons and imps that normally haunt the asylum. Satan, though, is a greater challenge.

Years ago, long before his commission from God, Christopher Smart had made a bargain with Satan that seemed unimportant at the time. Satan did him some favors, and in return, Smart promised him a poem, also.

Satan has arrived to demand that Smart finally write and deliver his poem.

Jeoffry, champion of the streets and torment of demons and imps, has a new challenge. It starts with resisting Satan's blandishments. But even if he can, he'll still need to fight, and defeat, Satan.

How can one cat do that?

Jeoffry is as arrogant and independent as any good street cat should be. He's also clever, and tricky, and has friends as clever and tricky as he is.

I really liked Jeoffry and his friends. Satan is properly impressive, and Christopher Smart properly values his loyal friend, Jeoffry.

Recommended.

I received this story as part of the Hugo Voters packet, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

Cat-lovers, take note: https://www.tor.com/2019/07/10/for-he-can-creep-siobhan-carroll/

Amusing short story about a cat who battles the Devil for a human's soul.

This wasn't really my thing, possibly because I'm not familiar with the real-life poet/poetry being referenced. Nighthunter Moppet is pretty great, though.

A very straightforward story about a cat who makes a deal with the devil. Quick and slight, this is, but also charming and professionally done. Perfect for reading in bed!