Now,
you know I had to take a look at a book titled “Cats and Daughters: They Don’t
Always Come
When Called.”
Helen
Brown became an international bestselling author with her memoir “Cleo: The Cat
Who Mended a Family.” Technically, “Cats and Daughters” is the sequel, or
follow-up, to that acclaimed book. But, as “Cleo” is a memoir, the sequel is in
reality the next chapter in the author’s life. And what an interesting life
she’s had.
Breast
cancer drove the arrow of mortality awareness into Ms. Brown. While
recuperating from surgery and all the accompanying emotional highs and lows,
the last thing Ms. Brown wanted was another cat. Of course, that’s exactly what
she got; a feisty Siamese ball of attitude called Jonah who turned out to be a
healer in a furry disguise…who requires a daily dose of an antipsychotic drug.
No joke. Ms. Brown also received the news she had a wedding to help arrange for
her son, and that her daughter had decided to become a Buddhist nun in Sri
Lanka. Now, please remember that this is a memoir, not a fiction novel. And
here I thought forgetting to buy coffee was a bad start to a day.
What
is remarkable about Ms. Brown is her ability to see beyond what many of us
would view as tragedy and find the joy hidden within whatever life throws at
her and her family. Simply put, life and its difficulties aren’t to be mourned,
and Ms. Brown is our personal cheerleader. Ms. Brown’s uplifting style of
writing fully utilizes her wit and charm to disarm and mesmerize readers.
All
that said, I hope readers understand what “Cats and Daughters” is really about.
Yes, it’s humorous, warm, heart wrenching at times, and filled with a hopeful
message we all can relate to. However, most importantly, “Cats and Daughters”
is a story of love. Not just of life, but of family. In fact, I think I should
go hug mine now. Yeah, “Cats and Daughters” is that kind of book. Enjoy.
A
resident of Melbourne, Australia, Ms. Brown is an award-winning columnist,
journalist, script writer, and TV presenter. Her book “Cleo” is currently being
made into a movie.
Q)
My mother was a breast cancer survivor, so I know the emotional bomb that
diagnosis brings with it. Of course I have to ask, how are you doing?
The
diagnosis is very frightening but it helps to remember this is one of the most
curable cancers. I remember feeling
cynical when people said cancer can bring gifts, but five years down the track
and with a good prognosis, I have to say it’s true.
Since
the mastectomy, I appreciate life on a different level. I don’t turn down
adventures any more. That’s why I’m fostering a cat in New York for a month at
present. And I don’t feel guilty saying no to things I don’t want to do.
Before going to sleep at night, I often make a
list of 10 things I’m grateful happened during the day. It nearly always
doubles, and often trebles.
Q)
You suffered the loss of a child. Life hasn’t been easy, and still you fought
through the human tendencies of self-pity to write “Cats and Daughters.” How
did you manage to make this book the joy it is and avoid the pitfall of melancholy?
A)
Resilience is an underestimated quality.
I
don’t think it’s helpful to expect life to be easy or happy. That just leads to
disappointment, and an inability to deal with tough times when they
happen. A sense of entitlement gets you
nowhere. Life can be hard at times and we all end up in the same place. Sometimes you just have to roll with it, be
kind to others when you can - and find laughter in the shadows.
Q)
In an interview you mentioned how for a time after the death of your son you
were envious of people who you believed had an easier life than you. How has
your outlook changed since hearing from so many people inspired by your
stories?
A)
I have a theory that anyone who loses a child is insane for at least a year. I
certainly experienced powerful anger and resentment, but it didn’t take long to
realize I wasn’t the only person on earth who was suffering.
Everyone
has to deal with loss sooner or later. Once the anguish softens – and it does
eventually – you’re in a good position to understand and help others. I’ve
tried to do it with my books, and I’m honored to receive emails from people in
the raw stages of grief. I hope my replies are helpful.
Q)
You are a multi published author, though your earlier books are for the most
part a collection of articles from your column. “Cleo” and “Cats and Daughters”
could be viewed as a collection of stories from your life. Naturally, this
leads to the question of what’s next? You’re a marvelous writer and we’ll be
looking forward to whatever your next project is.
A)
After writing about real life for many years, I’ve started work on two books of
fiction. They’re both quirky stories with dollops of romance and, I hope, soul.
I’m
relishing the freedom of not having to run every chapter past my family. My
poor husband and kids have been very tolerant being the focus of my writing for
so long. They deserve a break.
Q)
We touched on this earlier, but I’ll pointedly ask it now; “Cleo” was a book I
believe was part of
your own healing process. Your story turned out to be a
source of healing for others. With that knowledge comes a degree of
responsibility, be it genuine or expected. How has that altered the way you
approach writing?
A)
I wrote Cleo hoping it might sell a few thousand copies to my fans in New
Zealand. When it sold half a million copies around the world and was translated
into more than 16 languages I was astonished. It taught me people are very much
the same. Whether they live in Indonesia or Arkansas, there’s nothing they
wouldn’t do for their kids or pets. It’s a shame we tend to concentrate on the
differences. As a result I haven’t changed my writing style. I’ve always
written from the heart.
Q)
Any parting thoughts for your fans and those new to your work?
A)
Thank you for finding me. I hope this is the beginning of a lifelong
friendship.
DA Kentner is an
award-winning author www.kevad.net
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