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If Cats Disappeared from the World

By: Genki Kawamura, Eric Selland - translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Summary

A moving tale of loss and reaching out to the ones we love.

Our narrator’s days are numbered. Estranged from his family, living alone with only his cat Cabbage for company, he was unprepared for the doctor’s diagnosis that he has only months to live.

But before he can set about tackling his bucket list, the Devil appears with a special offer: in exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, he can have one extra day of life. And so begins a very bizarre week . . .

Because how do you decide what makes life worth living? In dealing with the Devil our narrator will take himself – and his beloved cat – to the brink.

Genki Kawamura's If Cats Disappeared from the World is a story of loss and reconciliation, of one man’s journey to discover what really matters in modern life.

This beautiful tale is translated from the Japanese by Eric Selland, who also translated The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide.

'If you're a fan of The Guest Cat (or even just cats generally), you'll love this.' – Sunday Times

©Genki Kawamura 2018 (P)2018 Macmillan Digital Audio
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What listeners say about If Cats Disappeared from the World

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A deal with the Devil

A man about to die from cancer makes a deal with the Devil. For the "small" price of making something disappear from the world, he gets to survive one more day. This seems like a sweet deal, the world is so full of stuff anyway. But there is, of course, a catch. He doesn't get to choose what disappears.

A quirky little book about what's important in life. I enjoyed it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Melancholic & heart breaking

It's a melancholic story that made me smile, cry, and reflect on some things in my life. While the plot is simple, it surprises with some unpredictable turns. Overall, I enjoyed it, though some parts felt a bit lengthy.
This book will suit more for people who like thinking about life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Interesting think piece as a book

Clear narrator and a fresh perspective on what it means to be alive, well read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A thought provoking and inspired story.

A tale of love and appreciation told through both pain and comedy. The subject matter is not immediately attractive but the title has the ability to draw in the listener through emotion and curiosity.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

If cats disappeared from the world

One of the most unusual books I’ve read. Childish, thoughtful, predictable, addictive. I’m not sure what to make of it. Worth a listen as it’s short so, if like me, you are left feeling unsure- we’ll it didn’t take up that much of your life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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heartfelt story about morality

A melancholic, story about morality and death and all the connections and meanings humans have in their lives.

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Beautiful story

This is a wonderful book by Genki Kawamura (some people may know him as the producer of the film Your Name and he’s just as talented an author as producer!) -it’s touching and philosophical, and overall just a delight to read/listen to.

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3 people found this helpful

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Lovely

Simple book on the surface immensely complicated if you like thinking about the human condition. Well worth the listen.

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So wholesome

Just so lovely. What a wholesome story read so comically. Such a lovely perspective on life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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It hit me in the feels

I didn't know what I expected of this story when a friend recommended it to me.

I sure didn't expect to have my perspective on life shifted and to be given hope and closure.
All while making me feel emotional through a good chunk of it.

Apart from the ending, I thoroughly loved every bit of this book.

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1 person found this helpful