Nine Lives by Edith Nesbit (1905)

Name: Nine Lives
Author: Edith Nesbit

This is a delightful story about a cat named Mrs. Brindle who has lived nine lives and shares her experiences with her kittens. The story is full of humor, wit, and clever observations about human nature. The narrative is structured around Mrs. Brindle's various lives, each of which provides a new and entertaining episode in her long life. From being a farm cat to living on a barge, from catching mice to being chased by a gamekeeper, Mrs. Brindle's stories are full of excitement, danger, and adventure. One of the most charming aspects of the story is the way it pokes fun at human nature. For example, when Mrs. Brindle is traded for corn, she notes that humans will do anything for a bargain, even if it means giving away a beloved pet. Similarly, when she lives on the barge, she observes that humans are lonely creatures who need conversation to feel comfortable. The story also explores themes of identity and self-awareness. Mrs. Brindle is proud of being a cat and knows her place in the world. She is confident in her abilities and knows how to take care of herself. At the same time, she is aware of her limitations and knows when to seek help or protection. The character of Mrs. Brindle is beautifully drawn, with a strong voice and personality that shines through in every sentence. Her kittens are also well-portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The writing style is engaging and humorous, with a touch of irony and wit. The use of language is clever and playful, with phrases like "wetting the bargain" and "unreasonably fond" that add to the story's charm. Overall, this is a delightful tale that will appeal to cat lovers and anyone who enjoys a good story well-told.

By Edith Nesbit · First published 1905 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 2,005 words

First lines

"MOTHER," said the yellow kitten, "is it true that we cats have nine lives?"

"Quite, my dear," the brindled cat replied. She was a very handsome cat, and in very comfortable circumstances. She sat on a warm Turkey carpet, and wore a blue satin ribbon round her neck. "I am in the ninth life myself," she said.

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Nine Lives is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Edith Nesbit
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Animal Fiction
Length: 2,005 words
Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The story is told in a simple, engaging manner suitable for children. It features talking animals, a common element in children's literature. The themes are light and the language is easy to understand.
Fantasy — The story involves anthropomorphic animals, specifically cats that can talk and have multiple lives, which is a characteristic of fantasy genre.
Adventure — The story recounts the various lives and adventures of the brindled cat, from living in a barn, to a barge, to a cottage, and so on.
Animal Fiction — The main characters are animals, and the story revolves around their experiences and perspectives.