If Cats Disappeared from the World

A thirty-year-old postman receives news that he has only days to live. The Devil then appears and offers him an extra day of life in exchange for making one thing disappear from the world. The protagonist must grapple with this supernatural bargain while reflecting on his relationships - with his deceased mother, his ex-girlfriend, and his cat. Through a series of choices about what could vanish from existence, he confronts what gives life its substance and meaning. This short novel incorporates elements of magical realism and philosophy to explore fundamental questions about mortality, human connection, and the value we assign to everyday things. The narrative serves as a lens for examining how objects and relationships shape the human experience.

Readers describe this as a quick, contemplative read about life's priorities and what makes existence meaningful. Many found the magical realism accessible and the cat's role emotionally resonant. Readers appreciated: - Simple, clean writing style - Universal themes about mortality - Balance of humor with serious topics - Short length that can be finished in one sitting Common criticisms: - Plot feels predictable - Character development remains surface-level - Translation loses some nuance - Some found the premise too similar to other Japanese magical realism works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (37,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,900+ ratings) One reader noted: "The book asks profound questions but doesn't dive deep enough into the answers." Another wrote: "Perfect for fans of 'The Midnight Library' seeking a shorter alternative." Several reviews mention crying at the ending despite finding parts of the story conventional.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa A cat and his owner embark on a road trip across Japan to visit old friends, revealing life's connections through feline eyes and human memories.

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide A couple's life transforms when a neighbor's cat begins visiting their home, leading them to contemplate existence, relationships, and loss.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Death, life, and meaning intertwine as a curmudgeonly widower's suicide attempts are interrupted by new neighbors who draw him back to the world.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig A woman on the brink of death explores alternate versions of her life through a library that exists between life and death.

The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina In the aftermath of loss, a woman discovers a phone booth in Japan where people speak to their departed loved ones, leading to reflections on grief and healing.

🐱 The novel was originally published in Japanese as 世界から猫が消えたなら (Sekai kara Neko ga Kieta nara) in 2012, becoming a bestseller with over 1.4 million copies sold. 🎬 Author Genki Kawamura is also a renowned film producer, having produced acclaimed animated films like "Your Name" and "Weathering with You." 📚 The book explores the Buddhist concept of "en" (縁) - the connections and relationships that bind all things together - through the protagonist's choices about what he's willing to sacrifice. 🌏 The story has been adapted into both a manga and a successful Japanese film starring Takeru Satoh, released in 2016. 🎯 Despite its whimsical premise involving a deal with the devil, the novel was inspired by Kawamura's personal experience of losing his grandfather to cancer and contemplating what truly matters in life.