ARC Review of Finding My Voice by Minerva Snow

Finding My Voice by Minerva Snow is a magical realism fantasy told from the perspective of Blink, a quiet, observant cat who never meows. Through Blink’s eyes, readers are invited into a world of feline perceptions and emotions, where themes of abandonment, seeking help, and overcoming depression unfold. Snow takes us on an unusual journey into the mind of a creature that’s often overlooked, offering readers a rare glimpse into how a cat might view the complexities of human relationships and struggles.

One of the novel’s standout qualities is its writing style, which feels almost childlike, making the story reminiscent of a heartfelt chapter book for older children. The simplicity of the language perfectly suits Blink’s perspective. With her limited vocabulary, Blink tries to make sense of the human world around her, resulting in a unique and clever narrative style. The effect is a captivating contrast: while the language is straightforward, the themes Blink encounters—abandonment, mental health, and personal growth—are far more mature, lending the story an emotional depth that resonates.

However, the pacing of the story did slow at points due to the repetitive emphasis on the theme of "asking for help." This central lesson was woven consistently throughout, yet towards the end, it felt somewhat overemphasized. The repetition, while clearly intentional, began to feel a bit excessive, slightly detracting from the forward momentum and emotional impact of Blink’s journey.

The tone of the book was lighthearted and endearing, a refreshing shift from the epic, high-stakes fantasies I typically read. The neighborhood cats interact in surprisingly warm and supportive ways, communicating with each other respectfully and as genuine friends. It was a delightful choice to portray these often-territorial creatures as kind and understanding companions. Instead of external conflict, the story centers on Blink’s character development and the evolving relationship with her human companion, creating an introspective, character-driven narrative.

That said, at times, the author’s hand felt a bit too present in the text. For example, in moments where puns and wordplay were explained, it detracted slightly from the subtlety of the joke. When Blink reflects, "It’s horrible to me to see how much I let my fear of the [redacted] set off a cataclysmic (key word there is ‘cat’) series of events," it was clever, but the explanation felt a touch overdone. A hyphenated “cat-aclysmic” might have been a subtler way to include the pun, allowing readers to connect the dots for themselves.

Another charming feature of the book was the subtle romance between two human characters, as seen through Blink’s eyes. Experiencing their relationship from Blink’s perspective gave the romance an endearing, fresh quality—probably one of the most unique approaches to romance I’ve read. The book is also sprinkled with delightful cat facts (who knew the belly pooch is called a “primordial pouch”?), showing that Snow did her homework on feline quirks and biology. These details enrich Blink’s character, making her voice even more authentic and lovable.

One challenge with the cat’s perspective, however, is maintaining realism without falling into anthropomorphism. There were moments when Blink seemed to know the unspoken motivations of her human or the animal shelter worker, which felt like mind-reading. It briefly broke the immersion; the illusion of “being the cat” was interrupted when Blink seemed to understand things a cat wouldn’t realistically perceive. I understand why these moments were included to move the plot forward, but they impacted my sense of immersion.

In the end, Finding My Voice rekindled a sense of wonder and playfulness within me. It’s rare to find a book that transports you to a place of childlike innocence, and Blink’s story did just that. My reactions ranged from “terrifying” and “heartbreaking” to “literally salivated” and “tingling with happiness!” Snow’s writing elicited genuine emotion and took me on a journey that left me smiling. Finding My Voice is not the typical fantasy I’d pick up, but it’s an unforgettable story that any reader looking for a unique perspective will treasure.