Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is recently married when her typical routine is disrupted by the lockdown. Now living and working at home, with her partner, she no longer has the excuse that she doesn't have time to care for a cat.

So she invites Mackerel into her home and, as the pandemic progresses, Cosslett charts how her relationship with the cat opens up her thoughts on emotions generally.

She recalls her past - how looking after an autistic brother and being assaulted as a young woman are experiences which have made her wary of commitment and responsibility. But as she cares for Mackerel, she realises she is ready for the next stage of her life, having the family she always hoped for.

This is a very enjoyable read. She has an easy style and I particularly liked the early section when she recalls how cats have been perceived through the ages and in literature. She does write, though, as if she is the first one to have come up with certain conclusions so (perhaps I'm getting old and cynical) it felt a bit naive and indulgent in parts. However, I love reading about other people's lives - and I like cats - so I do recommend it. And it has a rather lovely front cover!