Book Description

‘All my knowledge, thoughts and memories are crystal clear, and I know that, in seven days, I’ll have left this sunlit, moonlit world, together with all my earthly senses, and be truly dead – whatever that should mean.’ (P.1) So begins the fascinating history of a remarkable cat, Toby, and his family, both two-legged and four-legged, told during the transitional period between life and death. He has had a such rich life, a blessed one full of love, that he decides use the time he has left to tell his story, from his first days in a pet shop to his dignified death. It is a story of love, connection between the species, adventure and escapades, wisdom and insight, sorrow and triumphs. It brings its audience into a tightly knit community, offering quirky but perceptive insights on wisdom, trust and vulnerability, and posing questions about the concepts of humanity and brutishness. Sunshine in the Dark will intrigue, delight and amuse, and bring tears to the eyes of readers. Like Toby’s life, it’s an exceptional read and a lasting memory of a special cat. ‘For anyone who has ever felt the profoundly painful loss of a beloved pet, Vivian Bi’s beautifully moving Sunshine in the Dark offers solace, shared grief and indeed, ‘sunshine’. – Kristina Vesk OAM, Chief Executive Officer, The Cat Protection Society of NSW Limited