For those who have read my Harvest novels, you’ll recall that one of the main supporting characters was a big tuxedo Siberian cat named Alexander. What many don’t know is that Alexander was based on our own beloved Sasha (a diminutive of both Alexandra and Alexander), a Siberian cat who came into our lives as a tiny kitten a little over fourteen years ago. Sadly, Sasha suffered what we believe to have been a stroke in August 2021 on our way from San Antonio to our new home in Idaho, and was left in such condition that, heartbroken, we felt compelled to put him down.
Alexander’s character in many ways was faithful to Sasha: he was rambunctious, often a pain in the butt, and contrary as any cat could be.
But he was also a very loving and faithful friend, who spent many an hour curled up in my or my wife’s lap, purring contentedly or just sleeping away. When I was working at the table, be it writing or working on something else, he would often come and lay right up against the back of my iPad in its stand, his big head just over one side of the keyboard, so I was pretty much compelled to pet him every time I tried to type. But he never let us forget that he was descended from ferocious hunters: even in his elder years, he would periodically charge around the house, singing the song of his people.
At night, he would often make a peculiar circuit of the bed, hopping up on my wife’s side, marching around her pillow, down between us, across my feet, then up on my left side where he would slowly stalk toward my pillow, where he would do a slow turnaround and stick his tail in my face, then meow that he was hungry (yes, he could be an asshole). He would also prowl the house in the middle of the night, yowling just to hear his own voice, I think, then sleep and snore most of the day.
It’s hard to say all there is to say about a furry companion who was with us for fourteen years, and even now it’s hard for me to write this without tearing up. Sasha (and his sister Nina) came to us when he was so tiny that he could easily fit into my cupped palms, and grew into a big cat of 17 lbs in his heyday. But over time he became diabetic and had some other medical problems, which I suspect contributed to his demise.
I’ve had to put a lot of animals down over the years, or bid goodbye when my parents had to have it done: that’s an unavoidable part of life when you grow up around animals as I did. Dogs, horses, and more. Sadly, saying goodbye never gets easier, and that was certainly true with Sasha, as I held him lone last time before he strutted across the Rainbow Bridge, tail held high, yowling loudly for all to hear.
I have reread the first and second trilogy, In Her Name, for the third or possibly fourth time. The application of military strategy is especially gripping in the first trilogy, with wonderful main characters, while offering tantalizing hints of Kreelan culture that pulls you in each time. The second trilogy introduces Reza and friends. All I can say about Reza is, his role is perfect. His storyline brings you an inside perspective of the alien civilization, the Empress and the blood song. The strong female characters, both alien and human, are beautiful complex individuals, and the less savoury characters fulfilled all the expectations of power hungry morally bankrupt individuals. I wept at the loss of those I had bonded with and rejoiced when central characters persevered.
You would think I’d be immune considering I know the story so well, but no, it hits my heart anew every time. Michael Hicks has an enviable way with words.
Thanks for the kind words, and so glad you’ve enjoyed the books!
So sorry Mike. I check in on you periodically and just saw this. I always loved hearing about Sasha and Nina. I know it was hard to let him go, however we do have a responsibly to not let them suffer. I’ve been in your shoes.
Thanks, Melody – appreciate it! And sorry for the late response on here. I don’t get in to check as often as I should!
Hi Michael
It takes time to get used to the idea that your pet has gone, sorry for your loss. Our pet dog Murray passed away a few years ago and we still miss the little fella. One day he became lethargic, then off his food, didn’t want to move around. All the days and nights staying over at the vets with no diagnosis was very distressing for him and when exploratory surgery was suggested we decided enough was enough and made the same decision as you did. On a lighter note; do you think you would ever write a fourth installment of the harvest series? The “in her name” series was a masterpiece but I loved Harvest so so much. I have a few favourite scenes that I often think about with a chill.
Best Regards
Leo
I know it has been a while, but I offer my condolences on Alexander’s passing. His parts in the Harvest books made him as intergal to the plot as Jack.
I just got finished listening to the audio books for the Harvester series, for I think the 3rd or 4th time. It is so well written, and the characters, however major or minor, all have a lot to offer in terms of development.
I loved the cats in the novels, especially Alexander. I like that your furry friend has been immortalised in your stories. Now everyone who hears or reads your books gets a glimpse of his personality and how much joy you had with him.