At the Sign of the Cat and Racket
Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary
Set in 1830s Paris, this novella follows a young painter who falls in love with a beautiful woman he sees at a shop. He marries her, but their different social backgrounds and his artistic ambitions create tension. The story examines the conflict between passion and practicality. Its concise length and vivid dialogue are ideal for learners.
Learn English with At the Sign of the Cat and Racket
- Suits learners around level C1: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- 4,038 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.
Questions about this book
Can I read At the Sign of the Cat and Racket in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of At the Sign of the Cat and Racket open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level C1. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
