Book Review: She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa

“I imagined myself growing old, living in my little apartment, surrounded by lots of cats.”

Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa, She and Her Cat

Review:

Within pages, this book captured my head. Both cozy and emotional, any cat lover will appreciate at least something about this book.

The story follows Miyu, Reina, Aoi, Shino, and their cats. Each cat/human duo is told in their own short story with sections told from the humans’ perspectives as well as the cats’. The four stories connect wonderfully together. 

‘Slumber and Sky’ was my favorite story in the collection though it’s perhaps the most emotional. Aoi’s grief is presented so vividly. Watching Cookie try to bring her out of her funk was so heartwarming. 

The only thing that would have made this book more enjoyable would have been choosing a different book to read while traveling so I could have had my cats by my side as I read it!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• A unique style (at least for me, I don’t read a lot of Japanese fiction/Manga).
• All of the cats!!!
• Overall a touching story.

What I didn’t like:

• The parts with Jon were too vague. I didn’t see much point to his character/plot.

Afterthoughts:

I can’t sing enough praises. I’d love to find another book like this.

Where to buy the book: