If Cats Disappeared From The World
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I cannot say enough about this book! Kitty and I absolutely loved it - the perfect mix of an emotional read that sparks self-reflection with just enough comedic breaks to keep it lighthearted. This was one of the translations I picked up for the “January in Japan” challenge, and I found that I absolutely love Japanese fiction and the messages each author hides within the pages.
Synopsis
This story follows a lonely postman and his cat cabbage in Japan. The young man has just been given months to live and begins writing his bucket list, unsure of what else to do with the little time he has left. As he begins, the Devil himself appears right inside his home, offering to make things disappear from the world in exchange for an extra day to live. This sounds like an easy trade until the man begins to discover what’s most important in life.
“Like love, life is beautiful because it has to end.”
Favorites
One of my favorite elements of this book was the Devil being a doppelganger of the main character. The Devil explains himself as, “what you wanted to become but couldn't. I'm both the closest and the farthest things from who you are.” It’s interesting to reflect on all of the decisions you’ve made and have yet to make that bring you closer to the best or worst version of yourself.
I also adored the realization of intimacy and connection being so detrimental to one’s health and well-being. In his final days, the man realized, after picking up and cuddling his cat, “that maybe this little act of comfort was what life was all about.” It’s hard to explain to those who don’t have pets, just how much they can truly mean to you. Even if they are not near you, their presence is so important within your home, knowing you’re never truly alone.
“I wonder why people always expect things from others that they themselves can’t or won’t do.”
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to review the writing style when it has been translated from the original, but I did find much repetition in the dialogue and internal monologue. This could have been purposeful or it could have been due to the translation. Regardless, I really enjoyed this book and hope to pick up more Japanese fiction this year!
“No one knows exactly how long they’re going to live. So there’s really no such thing as too late or too soon.”
