For He Can Creep: A Tor.com Original

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 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 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.

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.

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!