If Cats Disappeared from the World

A novel that gently guides you towards the answers about what actually matters in life. I like focusing on the little, everyday things that spark joy and this book did just that. The cover is so cute as well :)

When the book’s narrator finds out that he will die tomorrow, he is distraught. But then the devil appears to him with an offer. He will be able to live longer, but every day one thing will have to disappear from the world forever. A philosophical and emotional book about life and fate and the choices we make. A wonderful read.

I can't think of a book with a more horrific title - who would ever want to live in a world without cats? But if eliminating all cats could prolong your life, what would you do? A man in his early 30s is diagnosed with a stage-4 brain tumor and would die very shortly if the devil didn't offer him a deal. Every important item taken away from the world will give him an additional day. This leads to a whole series of different topics springing up. We are taken along for a ride through the man's history with the people and cats in his life, and every item taken away links him to a specific person. It is brilliant how Genki Kawamura manages to marry his philosophical ponderings with high levels of humor - rarely is an incarnation of the devil as charming and flawed as this one - the way he is not able to wink is wonderful. Still, this is also a book that is likely to make you cry for multiple reasons. I delayed reading the book again and again because I was afraid that it would destroy me emotionally, and it didn't - at least not in the way I feared - instead it is a lovely journey through all emotions imaginable. Loving cats helps, but it is not even a prerequisite. Being emotionally available to literature suffices.

Would you bargain with the devil for your life? The story is fun to read and there are a few moments that will make you smile. A great story for in between and one that makes you think.

If you're feeling like life can't give you anything anymore to keep going, read this book. This novel made me think about life a lot, even though I did not enjoy the writing style to the fullest, this book gave me so much. So many little things in life keep you going, you just dont see it anymore because its so basic or "not special" enough. But imagine you have to give something up. Some things might be easy, but others...