If Cats Disappeared from the World

"If Cats Disappeared from the World" is a quiet, contemplative novel about impermanence, loss, and the question of what truly matters in life. Written in a simple, almost fairy-tale-like prose, Genki Kawamura tells the story of a young man who, through a pact with the Devil, is forced to reconsider the value of things he once took for granted. The narrative is bittersweet and gently melancholic, inviting reflection long after the final page. While the novel deliberately avoids deep philosophical discourse and remains largely on the surface, this restraint becomes its greatest strength: the story feels emotionally resonant, accessible, and sincere. A touching book that may not speak to everyone, but for open-hearted and sensitive readers, it is a small literary treasure that quietly lingers.

This beautiful story is heartbreaking, but it also leaves you with a feeling of ease. It’s a book about life, about realizing too late how precious it is and about how the smallest things can change your life so drastically. The writing style is simple but poetic and this story has a lot of philosophical aspects. 

Imagine waking up in a world without mobile phones or cats — and knowing it’s your fault they’ve vanished. That’s the situation the unnamed protagonist finds himself in. Diagnosed with a serious illness, he has only six months left to live. Then the devil appears, offering him a deal: his life will be extended, but each day, something “unimportant” will disappear from the world. The catch? The devil alone decides what that will be. Despite its slightly off-putting title, the novel draws you in with its surprising and often unimaginable scenarios. Told in a gentle tone with a touch of philosophy, it invites you to reflect on what really matters in life.

“When you think about it, it’s the future you’ll never get to see that you regret missing the most when you die.” An amazing novel by Genki Kawamura that makes you appreciate all the small and big things in life. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I can guarentee you´ll think about this book once or twice again after you´ve finished it.

Was würdest du tun wenn du erfahren würdest, dass du bald stirbst. Was würdest du bereuen, wen würdest du anrufen? … Und was würdest du tun, wenn der Teufel höchstpersönlich in Hawai-Hemd und Shorts vor dir steht und dir einen Deal anbietet. Was wärst du bereit zu opfern, um einen Tag länger zu Leben? „If Cats Disapeared From The World“ ist definitiv ein Buch, dass zum nachdenken anregt. Eine meiner Meinung nach etwas chaotische Erzählweise, ein lustiger Teufel und ein sprechender Kater passen besser zusammen als man im ersten Moment vielleicht erwartet. Ich hätte mir allerdings gewünscht, dass man ein bisschen mehr darüber erfährt, was für Auswirkungen es hat, wenn die einzelnen Dinge verschwunden sind und nicht nur die Thesen unserer Hauptfigur. Trotzdem ist das Buch zu empfehlen und es hat mich mit einem bittersüßen Gefühl zurückgelassen.