Reviews

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura

Only show reviews with written explanations

monzillareads's review against another edition

4.0

Definitely out of my comfort zone. I don’t read to contemplate the meaning of life and this book tried to make me do just that, and then on top of that, do it in a profound and intensely emotional way. It was beautiful, it was funny, it was melancholic.

Spoilers below:

I really wanted this book to be something it wasn’t. The Devil will add one day of life for every one thing you (“you”) give up, what an interesting premise! What does a world without phones or clocks look like? I really wanted to see the practical implications of that, instead of a stream of conscious description of how the author was personally affected by the sentimental loss of a particular object. But this is not that kind of book, this is the kind of book that forces you to look inwards.

luftschloss's review against another edition

Go to review page

Might pick it up later. But it’s just not very good, it’s too easy to not continue.

julia091's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

orlily's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sydalvie's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Sobbing

To attempt to quantify this book in a matter of words is a challenging one. From the devil being named Aloha due to an Italian shirt to a posh speaking cat named Cabbage to a love of movies, the cruelty and beauty of life. However, it mainly encapsulates the cruelty and beauty of death. And, perchance the most beautiful part, the acceptance of the inevitable regrets of the human life.