If Cats Disappeared from the World Book Summary
A Novel
TL;DR
A dying postman makes a pact with the devil to extend his life by sacrificing worldly objects, leading to profound reflections on existence, love, and loss.
What is If Cats Disappeared from the World about
If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura is a heartwarming and philosophical novel that delves into the meaning of life, love, and loss. The story revolves around a young postman who is informed by his doctor that he has a terminal brain tumor and only months to live. As he grapples with the news, the devil appears with a tempting offer: for each object the postman agrees to eliminate from the world, he will gain one more day of life. What follows is a strange yet enlightening journey where the postman, accompanied by his cat Cabbage, contemplates the significance of the items he chooses to disappear and reflects on his relationships, joys, and regrets. The book is a moving tale of accepting mortality and finding what truly matters in life.
If Cats Disappeared from the World 6 Key Takeaways
Diagnosis
The postman learns from his doctor that he has a terminal brain tumor and only months to live, setting the stage for the story's exploration of mortality and meaning.
The Devil's Offer
The devil appears and offers the postman a deal: for each object the postman agrees to eliminate from the world, he will gain one more day of life.
First Disappearance
As the postman starts to eliminate objects, he reflects on their significance and the impact of their absence, leading to introspective thoughts about his life.
Family and Friends
Through the disappearances, the postman revisits his relationships, especially with his estranged family and lost loves, gaining deeper understanding and reconciliation.
The Cat's Disappearance
When faced with the possibility of making cats disappear, the postman realizes the indispensable role his cat Cabbage plays in his life and the lives of others.
Acceptance
In the end, the postman accepts his fate, understanding that some things are too precious to sacrifice and finding peace in his life's simple moments and connections.
Top If Cats Disappeared from the World Quotes
- Life is not just about extending its duration, but about finding its meaning.
- In the end, the things that matter the most are the simple moments and the bonds we share with others.
Who should read If Cats Disappeared from the World?
This book is ideal for readers who enjoy philosophical and introspective novels that explore the meaning of life, love, and loss. It will particularly resonate with those who appreciate stories about reconciliation, the importance of relationships, and the emotional bonds between humans and animals.
If Cats Disappeared from the World Best Reviews
- A beautiful, comforting story despite the grisly premise. It’s about a young man’s journey towards accepting the end and making peace with it. — Reader Review
- I loved this story. It is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. This story of a dying man's thoughts and reflections in his last few days makes you appreciate all the people, especially family, joys, sadness and regrets as a part of life we should be grateful for. — Reader Review
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If Cats Disappeared from the World FAQs
What is the book 'If Cats Disappeared from the World' about?
The book tells the story of a postman in his thirties who discovers he has a terminal brain tumor. Offered a deal by the devil to extend his life by eliminating worldly objects, he embarks on a journey of reflection and discovery.
Is 'If Cats Disappeared from the World' worth reading?
Yes, it is considered a beautiful and profound story that makes readers appreciate life, family, and the many facets of existence. It’s a moving tale of a dying man’s thoughts and reflections.
What happens at the end of the book?
At the end, the protagonist accepts his fate, realizing the importance of his pet cat and the irreplaceable role of animals in human lives, ultimately finding peace with his mortality.