If Cats Disappeared from the World Audiobook By Genki Kawamura cover art

If Cats Disappeared from the World

A Novel

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If Cats Disappeared from the World

By: Genki Kawamura
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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About this listen

"Brian Nishii narrates this imaginative tale set in Japan about the complexities of death, life, and cats...A brief, charming parable." —AudioFile Magazine

The international phenomenon that has sold more than a million copies in Japan, If Cats Disappeared from the World is a funny, heartwarming, and profound meditation on the meaning of life.

The postman’s days are numbered. Estranged from his family, living alone with only his cat, Cabbage, to keep him company, he was unprepared for the doctor’s diagnosis that he has only months to live. But before he can tackle his bucket list, the Devil appears to make him an offer: In exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, our narrator will get one extra day of life. And so begins a very bizarre week....

With each object that disappears, the postman reflects on the life he’s lived, his joys and regrets, and the people he’s loved and lost.

Genki Kawamura’s timeless tale is a moving story of loss and reconciliation, of one man’s journey to discover what really matters most in life.

©2012; 2019 Text copyright Genki Kawamura; Translation copyright Eric Selland (P)2019 Macmillan Audio
Animals Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Magical Realism Cats Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Tearjerking
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Critic reviews

"At first, If Cats Disappeared from the World feels as light and puzzling as a fairy tale, but then, steadily, chapter by chapter - using nothing more than conversation, memory, and a winning narrator's searching, sensitive thought experiments - it raises its cosmic stakes higher than any thriller. Like a padding cat or the shadow of death, Genki Kawamura's book snuck up on me; the next thing I knew, I was crying." (Robin Sloan, New York Times best-selling author of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore and Sourdough)

What listeners say about If Cats Disappeared from the World

Highly rated for:

Unique Premise Thought-provoking Story Excellent Narration Profound Themes Engaging Storytelling
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We all wonder if our life makes a difference. Until death was imminent it was not a question.

The idea of gaining a day for removal of something from the world was uniquely presented. On day one it was a shock, but quickly was not his choice by day two. Cabbage helped him go full circle in his life so peace and tranquility would remain and he knew the value of his Dads quiet life and his own.

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It was ok

Good message and different. I hated using one credit for 4 hours though. Overall it good and at least it didn’t drag on

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So much feelings!

This book gives you perspective on so many things in life! I loved it!

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I am crying tears of joy.

What a beautiful book. So simple but yet so powerful. I recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about life but wants a story to guide you. This book is very powerful.

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Think About Your Own Life

The book made me think about MY OWN LIFE!! Soooo eye opening and mind blowing. Reviewing your own life/motives/mistakes/loves/needs will most certainly make you stop and evaluate!! OUTSTANDING READ!!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A great story

What a lovely story of one man’s discovery of the true worth of life- quality vs quantity!!

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A Sad Tale

Getting bad health news can turn out to be good for everyone we have ever loved.

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Good Story

A lot of life lessons in one book. A good book to open the door to reflection.

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It dragged on in some spots but I enjoyed it

Loved the thought provoking story line. I love cats and the title captured my imagination. I enjoyed listening to this imaginative tale.

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great book

This book was recommended by the podcast Books, Cats, & Snacks. loved the book!

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