When the loneliness leads to bad dreams: THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY is a magical and mesmerizing story that drew me in from the very beginning.

The "three lives" in the title refer to the different names Anne Marie Callahan adopts throughout her journey. To her childhood best friend, Amanda, she’s Annie. After leaving her hometown, she becomes Cass Ford, and finally, under the alias Cate Kay, she writes a series of famous novels that change her life.

Structured as a kind of memoir, CATE KAY unfolds not only through Annie’s eyes but also through the perspectives of key people in her life. We hear from her alcoholic mother, her cherished best friend Amanda, her literary agent, a famous actress who stars in the film adaptations of her books, and many others. This multi-perspective approach enriches the narrative, revealing the complexities of Annie’s personality and the different facets of her “three lives.”

At its heart, this is a love story—not just romantic, but one that celebrates love in its many forms. Annie and Amanda’s friendship is a particularly poignant thread, alongside Annie’s later relationships. The story is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and utterly captivating.

Without giving too much away (to avoid spoilers), the novel features a diverse and unique cast of characters and offers excellent LGBTQIAP+ representation, adding depth and inclusivity to its already compelling narrative.

I’d easily rate this 4+ stars for its stunning prose, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable characters.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review.

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