She and Her Cat by Naruki Nagakawa

On the outskirts of Tokyo, in a neighbourhood crossed by a commuter railway, local cats weave their way through lives and homes as their owners navigate difficult times.

A cat named Chobi sends silent messages of courage to a young woman, willing her to end a faltering relationship; a gifted artist fatally misunderstands her boss's enthusiasm for her paintings; a manga fan shuts herself away after the death of her friend, while her cat Cookie hatches a plan to lure her outside; a woman who has dedicated her life to a distant husband learns a lesson in independence from her cat.

Against an urban backdrop of humming trains and private woes, She and Her Cat explores the gentle magic of the everyday. Populated by both the friendly and the feral, it reveals -- with heart-stopping wisdom and warmth -- how, even in our darkest moments, community and connection may lead us to a happier place.

Genres: Contemporary - Short Stories - Japan - Cats - Japanese Literature - Asian Literature - Animals - Asia - Japanese Author