
BARKS AND PURRS - BY - COLETTE WILLY - TRANSLATED BY MAIRE KELLY
PREFACE
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
SENTIMENTALITIES
ON THE TRAIN
DINNER IS LATE
SHE IS ILL
THE FIRST FIRE
THE STORM
A CALLER
In this delightfully off‑beat tale the narrator presents two unlikely protagonists—a dog named Toby and a cat called Kiki—who become the eyes and ears of a quiet Parisian apartment. Their daily routines weave together the scent of garden herbs, the clatter of kitchen chores, and the murmurs of a literary salon that attracts critics and poets alike. Through the animals’ simple observations the story gently sketches a portrait of a woman whose life balances the ordinary chores of a country house with the lofty expectations of Parisian culture.
The narrative unfolds with a playful blend of satire and affection, teasing the pretensions of the artistic elite while celebrating the unpretentious rhythms of everyday life. As the pets navigate the cramped yet fragrant rooms, they reveal hidden layers of humor in the conversations of their human companions. Listeners are invited to share in the charm of a world where a bark and a purr become small, persuasive commentaries on art, habit, and humanity.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (101K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Hilary Caws-Elwitt and PG Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
Mar 1, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1873–1954
A sharp, sensual voice in French literature, she wrote about love, desire, freedom, and the complicated lives of women with unusual honesty. Her work still feels vivid and modern, from the early Claudine novels to the beloved novella Gigi.
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