Title: Metamorphosis
Subtitle: A Human’s Feline Journey
Series: Japanesque TS
Author: Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa
A Unique LGBTQ+ Novel: In the realm of LGBTQ+ novels, few stories dare to walk the unconventional paths that Yulia Yu. Sakurazawa takes in her groundbreaking work, Metamorphosis: A Human’s Feline Journey. This novel, part of the “Japanesque TS” series, is a complex, genre-defying tale that seamlessly blends magical realism, gender exploration, and Japanese cultural elements into an unforgettable narrative. Translated into English by the author herself, this story offers a unique perspective on identity, love, and transformation.
At its heart, Metamorphosis is a tale of self-discovery that begins with a high school student, Hayasaka, who learns that he is not just human but also a cat. Guided by Yoko, a mysterious classmate who reveals her own feline nature, Hayasaka embarks on a surreal journey that blurs the lines between human and animal, male and female, and reality and fantasy. What unfolds is a deeply introspective yet exhilarating exploration of the protagonist’s dual identity as both a human and a cat, and more significantly, as a male who is unexpectedly transformed into a female.
The novel’s brilliance lies in its unapologetic dive into gender fluidity and transformation. Hayasaka’s transition from a teenage boy to a pregnant teenage girl—and the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges that come with it—serves as a metaphor for the fluidity of gender and the complexities of self-identity. It’s a journey that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering a raw yet tender look at what it means to be true to oneself in the face of societal expectations.
But Metamorphosis is more than just a story of gender. It is also a love story—one that is unconventional, heart-wrenching, and ultimately uplifting. Hayasaka’s relationships with Yoko, a fellow shapeshifter, and Ginger, a male cat, add layers of complexity and depth to the narrative. These relationships challenge traditional notions of love and partnership, asking the reader to consider love in all its forms—human, animal, and everything in between.
Sakurazawa’s signature style shines throughout the novel. Her vivid descriptions immerse readers in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, from the sacred Kasuga Shrine to the intricacies of matatabi (Japanese catnip) folklore. Her portrayal of Japanese corporate culture and high school life is both authentic and compelling, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a relatable reality. The humor, too, is sharp and often self-aware, providing moments of levity in an otherwise emotionally intense narrative.
What sets Metamorphosis apart from other LGBTQ+ novels is its fearless embrace of the bizarre and the extraordinary. The novel doesn’t shy away from exploring taboo topics or pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Yet, at its core, it remains a deeply human story about love, identity, and transformation.
For readers of LGBTQ+ fiction, gender-bending romance, or those with an interest in Japanese culture, Metamorphosis: A Human’s Feline Journey is a must-read. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the essence of humanity and love. As the first English release in the “Japanesque TS” series, this novel sets a high bar for what’s to come.
In a world where stories of transformation often focus on the physical, Metamorphosis dares to delve into the emotional and spiritual metamorphoses that define us. It’s a novel that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.