A Cat-sitting Gig Inspires New Perspectives in “How to Live Together” — See the Cover! (Exclusive)

**New Novel Explores Intricate Bonds Between Humans and Animals**

*The cover of Rey Conquer’s debut novel, ‘How to Live Together’, showcases the complexity of human and animal relationships.*

Rey Conquer is set to release their inaugural novel, ‘How to Live Together,’ in the spring of 2024 through Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The book uniquely blends human experience with the often-overlooked emotional depth of animal relationships.

At the story’s centre is an academic who relocates to Oxford with the intention of seeking tranquility and solitude. However, the new chapter in their life comes with an unexpected twist: a responsibility to care for a pair of cats. What initially appears to be a simple cat-sitting assignment soon evolves into a journey of self-discovery, as the narrator grapples with their own emotional landscape while navigating the feline duo’s idiosyncrasies.

Conquer aims to delve deep into the multifaceted nature of the bonds shared between humans and animals. “My favourite depictions of human-animal relationships are those willing to include the whole range of feeling, from tenderness through ambivalence, envy, and revulsion,” Conquer stated. “I wanted to show these relationships in all their complexity, illustrating the struggle to perceive animals as distinct beings rather than mere reflections of human desires.”

Having extensive experience living with cats, both as a housemate and a caregiver, Conquer brings a profound understanding of feline behaviour to the narrative. They observe that cats are “remarkably varied in temperament,” which challenges any simplistic interpretations of their personalities. This nuance is vital to the book, as it encourages readers to consider the individuality of animals while exploring how human emotions can complicate these connections.

The intricacies of the narrator’s interactions with the cats form a central theme in the plot, allowing for a rich exploration of shifting feelings and changing perspectives. Conquer notes that while the cats are depicted with distinct personalities, the human characters are somewhat secondary. “The cats emerge as more developed characters than the humans, and this is reflective of the narrator’s struggle to understand them. Their attempts are inevitably mediated through language, which can never fully capture the essence of the creatures,” they elaborated.

The cover of ‘How to Live Together’ was crafted to reflect the book’s intricate themes. Conquer expressed particular fondness for the ambiguous nature of the design, stating, “I love the uncertainty in the cover image—the surprising angle, the tension between the gentleness of the hold and the cat’s intense expression, which suggests an unequal or unrequited relationship.” Such elements are essential for engaging potential readers by hinting at the complexities woven within the narrative.

Scheduled for publication on 18 May 2024, ‘How to Live Together’ is already available for preorder via various retailers. Conquer’s emphasis on the layered dynamic of human-animal interactions invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with pets and the broader theme of connection.

As Conquer prepares for the book’s release, their excitement is palpable. The narrative promises to challenge perceptions, inviting readers to contemplate the depth of feelings that exist within the simplest of relationships. The project exemplifies a conscientious exploration of how love, longing, and misunderstanding can manifest in unexpected ways.

‘How to Live Together’ aspires to not only entertain but also to provoke thought, encouraging readers to consider the complexities underpinning their own engagements with the animals in their lives.