For He Can Creep

Read for Buzzwordathon February 2022: pronouns

I loved the writing style in this and the very interesting concept. I also had no idea this was actually based on a real story and poem which adds an even more interesting layer. I honestly do wich this one was just a bit longer and the horror seemed a bit like childish. Something just didn't completely click with me but it was still really fun! 

This short story was based on the 19th century poet Christopher Smart's confinement in a mental asylum and one of the poems he wrote during his time there, the Jubilate Agno. If anything, I'm glad that this story introduced me to that poem, which is pretty hilarious and amazing - it almost shows a prescience to our 21st century obsession with cats.

Jeoffry is a cat belonging to the poet Christopher Smart, and who regularly keeps the demons away from his human. He unexpectedly finds himself in conflict with an entity much larger than the regular imps he deals with though - the Devil himself, who is demanding a poem from Smart to end all poems (and the world).

The writing in this one is beautiful and engaging, artisanal with a light touch of humour that works, especially given the subject matter. It is both an imagining of the circumstances surrounding the inspiration of the Jubilate Agno poem, as well as a tribute to cats in general and their indefatigable nature in protecting their beloved humans. There isn't really horror in this one even though it's tagged as such. Highly recommended for just about anyone.

Outside of children's books, this is the first story I read to my daughter. Now, I wouldn't say I recommend this to a toddler, but I want to include her into my occasional short story or two. Coincidentally, the curse words were censored, which made things easier for me.

The story was fairly interesting and well written. Cats are just awesome.

Spensa's Rating:

Uninterested (a common side-effect found with 1 year olds)