The Guest Cat is a short read yet is poetic, charming and captivating. More than just a story about a cat, it centers around a couple facing the daily challenges of a mundane life and how the company of one another becomes gradually less fulfilling. Each chapter is a snapshot into the lives of the couple; using no more words than necessary Hiraide constructs a beautiful picture of contemporary Tokyo, their home and the events that impact their lives. An interesting and touching tale, not just to be enjoyed by cat lovers. Very sweet, very poetic, very Japanesque. It made me think about life and how small things have huge impacts. It made me think about sounds and imagery and the surroundings in our lives that we don't think about in great detail too often. I feel like this book made me slow down and think about the simplicity of daily life and the small enjoyments in it.A very lulling and poetic read. Very enjoyable if you have the time and patience to invest in something focused very little on events and action to maintain your attention/interest. 3 and a half stars. I feel like this quote sums up the general feel/style of the novel:"When the cat stopped coming, it seemed as if the garden had changed into something dreary and drab. How much we see through coloured glasses, I thought."
Do You like book El Gato Que Venía Del Cielo (2014)?
A moving and subtle novel that captures the joys and sorrows of everyday life. I loved it.
—kfrenz
Spare and poetic domestic drama, interestingly Japanese.
—Joelb5
(1.5) Reading the blurb, I slightly expected more.
—declanbb
