Subject to Vanity

"Subject to Vanity" by Margaret Benson is a compilation of stories about household pets, like cats and canaries, during the late 1800s. The book looks at feelings like love and envy; the book also examines the ways that animals interact, presenting a distinctive viewpoint on home life through the eyes of both the animals and the people that take care of them. The author dives in with the tale of Persis, a cat, and her life as a treasured house pet. Readers observe Persis's loving behavior, her relationships with other critters, and her changes after having kittens. As Persis becomes a mother, she grapples with jealous feelings and the challenges of seeing her kittens get more attention. The writing style is caring and interested in the feelings of animals, pulling readers into the personal experiences of owning pets and the relationships built within a home.