Peter S. Beagle

The acclaimed author of The Last Unicorn and A Fine and Private Place presents an evocative, deeply personal fantasy about dreams lost and found, friendship, and the unique relationship that exists between cats and humans.

A Dance for Emilia

Sarah Sammis

Maggie Gordon

Beagle likes to write about loss. A Dance for Emilia was his attempt to deal with the death of a friend, and it's a fitting memorial for this person and a lovely read for those going through similar situations. Like most of his works, the novella is slow. It starts with Jake finding out that his friend since childhood, Sam, has suddenly died. At the funeral, Jake meets Sam's girlfriend, and the two become platonically close as they remember and tell tales about their friend. However, the power of their love and longing for the man is so strong that they pull his spirit back into the body of his cat. Though the set-up seems like it might be humourous, it is played straight. Jake and Emilia (the girlfriend) must cope with their actions and learn to let go so that Sam's spirit (and the poor cat) can rest. It's a touching, sorrowful, but ultimately positive mediation on grief and love. Definitely worth the effort to track this little chapbook down.