Ninth Life

Jane Teresa Anderson’s Ninth Life presents a whimsical yet profound narrative that follows Amantha, a marmalade cat embarking on her ninth and final life. This multi-layered tale resonates with themes of purpose, morality, and connection—a feline and human journey. In the first chapter, where we meet Amantha perched on her safe stone wall, she is urged by an instinct to uncover her purpose: “What was my last move?”—an echo of her quest to navigate the innate challenges of existence. Amantha inhabits the serene yet bustling Serene Lotus Centre for Health and Wellbeing in the English countryside. This location is a perfect backdrop for converging human and animal experiences, echoed in Amantha's reflections. Surrounded by spiritually minded practitioners—frequently engaged in their battles—Amantha observes their interactions while struggling with questions of identity and her role as the center's unofficial protector. When a scandal threatens the well-being of the inhabitants, she must take measures to protect everyone — but can she? The descriptions invoke vivid imagery of green gardens, ancient stones, and the musky scent of healing, heightening the contrast between her feline simplicity and the complex emotional lives of those around her.  

The novel's characters enrich its narrative structure. Each character reflects a different aspect of weakness and aspiration; they are humorous yet grounded. For instance, the psychic counselor, Freya exemplifies a tangled mix of wisdom and personal turmoil. Her struggles with perimenopause and the ensuing brain fog introduce a relatable humanity, making her cheating during sessions both understandable and troubling. Milly represents the audience’s skepticism; as an investigative journalist, her investigation into Freya's ethics helps to build tension. Interspersed between these characters, Amantha remains the moral compass. She wrestles with her role in a pivotal early moment: “Get it right this time, follow the rules, stay in line, and make sure everyone else does too.” 

The setting—the Serene Lotus Centre—is depicted with such tenderness that it feels like a character itself. Anderson describes it as a refuge, encouraging wellness, and a place masked with formality and expectation. In this sanctuary, Amantha’s observations extend beyond mere cat-like indulgences to insightful critiques of the human condition. As Amantha embarks on her mission to guide the center's practitioners toward healing, her reflections evolve: “Sometimes I see and know things, like knowing Hazel was struggling to conceive,” expressing her keen intuition that transcends her physically limited form. Ultimately, the reader is left pondering the nature of wisdom, the essence of healing, and the underlying tracks of morality that govern both human and feline lives, laying the groundwork for Amantha’s ultimate graduation into a spirit mentor. Ninth Life beautifully captures the beauty of the connection between Amantha and the humans around her and across the broader tapestry of existence, reminding us that each life—feline or otherwise—has the potential for profound impact. The prose is crisp, and the dialogues sparkle from page to page. This one was a delightful tale, and fans of feline creatures will be utterly enthralled and lost in the world that Jane Teresa Anderson creates.