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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This was such a heartwarming little book, I can see myself revisiting it. It perfectly captured the love between cat and their person. I’m kind of annoyed to see there is an anime sorta version of this, only because I want to read it. I wish some more of the drawings from that had been included in this.
The illustrations that were included were very pretty.
The illustrations that were included were very pretty.
hopeful
sad
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A delightful collection of 4 interconnected, whimsical stories about cats (+ one sweet dog) and their humans, told from alternating perspectives. We read this for our December book club meet-up which we had at a Cat Café (Casa del gatto) followed by dinner at a Japanese restaurant; both wonderful locations. All bar one in our group are cat owners/lovers, and even the self-professed anti-cat, pro-dog reader in our group admitted that she enjoyed the stories and gained more of an understanding of the relationship between cats and humans.
The writing is quiet and gentle; this is certainly not a plot driven book, and if someone asks me in a few months' time what "happens", I won't know a thing, other than..... someone dies, someone survives, someone has agoraphobia, someone is into mangas, someone gets pregnant, and so on.... but there isn't a "plot" to speak of, really. I just enjoyed spending time with some good cat-loving people and some lovely human-tolerating cats and getting insights into their hearts and minds. At some point, admittedly this was an alcohol fuelled thought, I saw the translator's name on the cover and actually thought what an amazing job she had done translating the cats' sections (don't tell anyone, this is beyond embarrassing!), so in my case, I actually felt that I was getting to understand better what cats think of us and what they are trying to say or convey with certain actions and sounds. I loved that and now understand that our kitty at home is obviously trying to tell me to read more Japanese books featuring cats. https://imgur.com/a/0NISfqv
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What we all wondered is why there are SO MANY Japanese novels, mostly written by men, that feature (talking) cats.
Okay, so I decided to ask ChapGPT for the answer, and here goes:
The writing is quiet and gentle; this is certainly not a plot driven book, and if someone asks me in a few months' time what "happens", I won't know a thing, other than..... someone dies, someone survives, someone has agoraphobia, someone is into mangas, someone gets pregnant, and so on.... but there isn't a "plot" to speak of, really. I just enjoyed spending time with some good cat-loving people and some lovely human-tolerating cats and getting insights into their hearts and minds. At some point, admittedly this was an alcohol fuelled thought, I saw the translator's name on the cover and actually thought what an amazing job she had done translating the cats' sections (don't tell anyone, this is beyond embarrassing!), so in my case, I actually felt that I was getting to understand better what cats think of us and what they are trying to say or convey with certain actions and sounds. I loved that and now understand that our kitty at home is obviously trying to tell me to read more Japanese books featuring cats. https://imgur.com/a/0NISfqv
.What we all wondered is why there are SO MANY Japanese novels, mostly written by men, that feature (talking) cats.
Okay, so I decided to ask ChapGPT for the answer, and here goes:
The prevalence of cats in Japanese literature, particularly in novels written by men, can be attributed to several cultural and literary influences. While it's important to note that not all Japanese novels written by men feature talking cats, there are certainly a notable number that do. Here are a few reasons why this theme may be prevalent:
1. Cultural Symbolism:
Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture and folklore. In Japanese folklore, the "bakeneko" and "nekomata" are supernatural cat creatures believed to have magical powers. Cats are often associated with good fortune and protection from evil spirits. The symbolism and mystique surrounding cats make them appealing subjects for storytelling.
2. Influence of Traditional Tales:
Traditional Japanese tales and fables often feature animals with human-like qualities. These stories might include talking animals or animals with supernatural abilities. Writers may draw inspiration from these traditional narratives when crafting their own works, incorporating talking cats as a nod to cultural heritage.
3. Blend of Fantasy and Reality:
Japanese literature has a rich tradition of blending fantasy elements with everyday life. Authors frequently incorporate magical or fantastical elements into their stories. Talking cats can serve as a means to explore imaginative and whimsical themes, adding a layer of fantasy to an otherwise realistic setting.
4. Personal Expression and Creativity:
Authors often use talking cats as a creative device to express their unique perspectives and ideas. Cats are known for their independence and mysterious nature, allowing writers to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the enigmatic aspects of life through the lens of these feline characters.
5. Popularity of Cat Characters:
Cats are popular pets in Japan, and their widespread presence in society may contribute to their frequent appearance in literature. Cats are seen as cute and endearing, making them relatable characters that can resonate with a broad audience.
6. Literary Trends and Success Stories:
Once a particular theme becomes successful in literature, it can lead to a trend where other authors are inspired to explore similar themes. If a novel featuring a talking cat becomes popular, it may influence other writers to incorporate similar elements into their own works.
In summary, the prevalence of talking cats in Japanese novels, especially those written by men, can be traced back to a combination of cultural symbolism, traditional storytelling, the blend of fantasy and reality, personal expression, the popularity of cats in society, and the influence of literary trends. Each author may have their reasons for choosing this theme, and the cultural context plays a significant role in shaping the narrative landscape.
⭐ 3.5
Es increíble la manera en cómo empecé y terminé este libro. Al principio me costó conectar con la lectura, a tal punto en que me estaba quedando dormida, sin embargo, de un momento a otro mi somnolencia se fue rápidamente y me interesé en la historia.
¿Qué puedo decir de este libro? Pues...me gustó mucho la forma en que las 4 historias se conectaron, y cómo es que cada gato se entrelaza de cierta manera con sus respectivas dueñas, siendo la salvación del uno y del otro (aunque ninguno de ellos lo sepa).
Confieso que la historia que más me chocó fue la de Shino y su perro John (sí, sé que es irónico siendo que este libro gira en torno a los gatos jajaja), ya que hay una parte en donde me hizo recordar a mi perro y no pude evitar que mis lágrimas salieran.
Valió la pena leerlo un domingo en la tarde
Es increíble la manera en cómo empecé y terminé este libro. Al principio me costó conectar con la lectura, a tal punto en que me estaba quedando dormida, sin embargo, de un momento a otro mi somnolencia se fue rápidamente y me interesé en la historia.
¿Qué puedo decir de este libro? Pues...me gustó mucho la forma en que las 4 historias se conectaron, y cómo es que cada gato se entrelaza de cierta manera con sus respectivas dueñas, siendo la salvación del uno y del otro (aunque ninguno de ellos lo sepa).
Confieso que la historia que más me chocó fue la de Shino y su perro John (sí, sé que es irónico siendo que este libro gira en torno a los gatos jajaja), ya que hay una parte en donde me hizo recordar a mi perro y no pude evitar que mis lágrimas salieran.
Valió la pena leerlo un domingo en la tarde
Best for:
Fans of sweet little stories. And of cats.
In a nutshell:
Multiple cats and multiple humans change each others’ lives.
Worth quoting:
N/A
Why I chose it:
CATS!
What it left me feeling:
Calm.
Review:
What a very sweet, deep book. It is told from the perspectives of multiple cats, some related to each other. It is also told from the perspective of the humans who come into contact with these cats.
One human is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Another is in a job but very lonely, unsure of the status of her romantic life. Another is filled with guilt over something that happened to her friend. A fourth is facing life on her own for the first time in years.
I am one of two humans who was chosen to take care of two special cats. They turn 12 in a month, and we’ve had them for nearly that long. They make my life better in every way - one of them has for the last six months been sleeping curled up next to my head at night. I adore dogs as well, but there is something about cats - their independence, the way they show love, their curiosity - that just feels different.
This book isn’t long, and very little ‘happens’ in it. But the humans are living lives I think so many people can relate to, and the cats are living their own lives too. Seeing how the humans care for the cats, and the cats for their humans, it’s just so sweet, and such a lovely commentary on life.
Recommend to a Friend / Keep / Donate it / Toss it:
Donate it
Fans of sweet little stories. And of cats.
In a nutshell:
Multiple cats and multiple humans change each others’ lives.
Worth quoting:
N/A
Why I chose it:
CATS!
What it left me feeling:
Calm.
Review:
What a very sweet, deep book. It is told from the perspectives of multiple cats, some related to each other. It is also told from the perspective of the humans who come into contact with these cats.
One human is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Another is in a job but very lonely, unsure of the status of her romantic life. Another is filled with guilt over something that happened to her friend. A fourth is facing life on her own for the first time in years.
I am one of two humans who was chosen to take care of two special cats. They turn 12 in a month, and we’ve had them for nearly that long. They make my life better in every way - one of them has for the last six months been sleeping curled up next to my head at night. I adore dogs as well, but there is something about cats - their independence, the way they show love, their curiosity - that just feels different.
This book isn’t long, and very little ‘happens’ in it. But the humans are living lives I think so many people can relate to, and the cats are living their own lives too. Seeing how the humans care for the cats, and the cats for their humans, it’s just so sweet, and such a lovely commentary on life.
Recommend to a Friend / Keep / Donate it / Toss it:
Donate it
4⭐
Este libro, sin tener una historia complicada, ni grandes giros argumentales, pues trata temas mayormente cotidianos, me dio una sensación de confort y alivio. Es como un abrazo en pleno invierno o una buena taza de café en una tarde lluviosa. La forma en que intercala las narraciones de las protagonistas y de los gatos es un contraste hermoso entre formas de vida y puntos de vista muy distintos.
Me gusta leer sobre relaciones duraderas y entrañables que, para sorpresa de nadie, suelen darse con más frecuencia entre una chica y su gato que entre una pareja de humanos, tanto en la ficción como en la vida diaria.
Las historias de las chicas y sus gatos (también hay un perrito) se mezclan. Es un buen libro que habla de la vida y sus altibajos, del amor más incondicional que existe y de los cambios y lo efímero de toda situación.
Lo leí poco después de la muerte de mi perro. Me la pasé llorando todo el tiempo, sobre todo cuando sale el perro, pero me ayudó con el proceso de duelo y a entender que esos peludos que nos acompañan no llegan a nuestras vidas por casualidad y están aquí para enseñarnos algo.
En fin, lo recomiendo mucho, a mí me encantó.
Este libro, sin tener una historia complicada, ni grandes giros argumentales, pues trata temas mayormente cotidianos, me dio una sensación de confort y alivio. Es como un abrazo en pleno invierno o una buena taza de café en una tarde lluviosa. La forma en que intercala las narraciones de las protagonistas y de los gatos es un contraste hermoso entre formas de vida y puntos de vista muy distintos.
Me gusta leer sobre relaciones duraderas y entrañables que, para sorpresa de nadie, suelen darse con más frecuencia entre una chica y su gato que entre una pareja de humanos, tanto en la ficción como en la vida diaria.
Las historias de las chicas y sus gatos (también hay un perrito) se mezclan. Es un buen libro que habla de la vida y sus altibajos, del amor más incondicional que existe y de los cambios y lo efímero de toda situación.
Lo leí poco después de la muerte de mi perro. Me la pasé llorando todo el tiempo, sobre todo cuando sale el perro, pero me ayudó con el proceso de duelo y a entender que esos peludos que nos acompañan no llegan a nuestras vidas por casualidad y están aquí para enseñarnos algo.
En fin, lo recomiendo mucho, a mí me encantó.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Carino.
Ein schönes und sanftes Buch, perfekt zum Abschalten am Abend.
At the beginning I didn't understand what was going on, and I felt that the story was a little weird, but throughout the pages I started to get what was going on. The story is super ✨catssome✨ (wholesome) and anyone who loves cats will love it
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced