Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The international phenomenon that has sold more than two million copies, If Cats Disappeared from the World --now a Japanese film--is a heartwarming, funny, and profound meditation on the meaning of life. This timeless tale from Genki Kawamura (producer of the Japanese blockbuster animated movie Your Name ) is a moving story of loss and reconciliation, and of one man’s journey to discover what really matters most in life. The young postman’s days are numbered. Estranged from his family and 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 shows up to make him an offer: In exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, the postman will be granted one extra day of life. And so begins a very strange week that brings the young postman and his beloved cat to the brink of existence. 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.
Is If Cats Disappeared from the World: A Novel appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A gentle, philosophical story about a young man facing terminal illness who must choose what disappears from the world in exchange for extra days of life. Themes of death, loss, and reconciliation are handled thoughtfully without graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death, grief, and terminal illness (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Readers will connect with the protagonist's journey to understand what truly matters as he reflects on his life, relationships, and the things we take for granted.