# P.S. Your Cat Is Dead

By James Kirkwood

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/p-s-your-cat-is-dead-9880eb5d/

Jimmy Zoole is running out of things to lose. His friend has died, his acting work has fallen through, and his girlfriend is leaving. On New Year’s Eve, he catches a burglar in his New York apartment and ties him to the kitchen sink. Vito is now stuck listening to the man whose home he tried to rob.

## What makes it funny?

The hostage situation turns into a long, unwelcome conversation, interrupted by Jimmy’s ex and other visitors. A man hoping to take something from the apartment becomes the only person available to hear about everything its owner has lost.

### The comedy at work

Kirkwood piles fresh trouble onto Jimmy’s grief and anger, then keeps Jimmy and Vito talking inside a predicament neither can easily leave. The University of London describes their developing relationship as darkly comic; the violence and sexual tension give the farce a sharper edge.

### Try this if…

Readers in a book group suggested it in a discussion of funny books. It has particular appeal for a taste in dark, conversation-led comedy, with much of the evening given over to two men talking about their damaged lives.

### Good to know

Expect bereavement, the death of a cat, assault and captivity, marijuana use and sexual material. The BookNAround reviewer found the dialogue too static and dated, and felt it needed actors to bring it to life. This is the novel; Kirkwood also adapted it into a stage play.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Dark comedy · Farce · Situational comedy
- Format: Novel
- Length: 228 pages (ebook)
- Published: 1972

## A few distinguishing details

- A burglar held captive at the kitchen sink
- New Year’s Eve with a man whose life is coming apart

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books ebook listing for P.S. Your Cat Is Dead by James Kirkwood](https://books.apple.com/us/book/p-s-your-cat-is-dead/id6503806515)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/TwoGirlsMustReads/permalink/1773055946826889)
- Library catalog: [University of London exhibition](https://exhibitions.london.ac.uk/s/seizedbooks/page/browse-items)
- Review: [BookNAround review](https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-ps-your-cat-is-dead-by-james.html)
- Library catalog: [Open Library catalog](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL5300174M/P.S._your_cat_is_dead!)
- Book information: [Apple Books edition](https://books.apple.com/us/book/p-s-your-cat-is-dead/id6503806515)