The Guest Cat Audiobook By Takashi Hiraide, Eric Selland - Translator cover art

The Guest Cat

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The Guest Cat

By: Takashi Hiraide, Eric Selland - Translator
Narrated by: David Shih
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A best seller in France and winner of Japan's Kiyama Shohei Literary Award, The Guest Cat, by the acclaimed poet Takashi Hiraide, is a subtly moving and exceptionally beautiful novel about the transient nature of life and idiosyncratic but deeply felt ways of living. A couple in their 30s live in a small rented cottage in a quiet part of Tokyo; they work at home, freelance copy-editing; they no longer have very much to say to one another. But one day a cat invites itself into their small kitchen. It leaves, but the next day comes again, and then again and again. Soon they are buying treats for the cat and enjoying talks about the animal and all its little ways. Life suddenly seems to have more promise for the husband and wife - the days have more light and color. The novel brims with new small joys and many moments of staggering poetic beauty, but then something happens.

As Kenzaburo Oe has remarked, Takashi Hiraide's work "really shines". His poetry, which is remarkably cross-hatched with beauty, has been acclaimed here for "its seemingly endless string of shape-shifting objects and experiences, whose splintering effect is enacted via a unique combination of speed and minutiae".

©2001 Takashi Hiraide; translation copyright 2014 by Eric Selland (P)2016 Tantor Literary Fiction Cats Fiction Genre Fiction Marriage

Critic reviews

"This is a beautiful, ornate read, brimming with philosophical observation, humor and intelligence, leaving the reader anticipating more translated works of Hiraide." ( Publishers Weekly)
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I enjoy learning about Japan and a Japanese culture. I liked this story because it provided an insight into the life of an average, modern Japanese person (it takes place in the late 1980's to early 1990's). While not a "page turner," I did stay engaged with the story and main character.

Interesting insights into contemporary Japan

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The symbolism woven throughout this book is incredible. From the alley name to the cat’s moves. It is also haunting in a way that leaves one hanging. The questions left at the end leaves the ready adrift and rather than second guess why, understanding this is how life is and to let it ruminate is probably how the author intended.

Wonderful Book

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Loved this book. A friend recommended it. Very touching story about how a cat can impact your life.

Touching story

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The author tells a beautiful tale of a couple and their relationship to a neighbour’s cat.
To anyone who ever felt love for a non-human friend, the prose will strike a familiar chord and remind you.
I loved this short tale and found the descriptive elements so masterfully presented I easily found my self wandering in the setting gazing at the gardens and plants of this neighbourhood .

Bitter sweet love story for a non-human friend

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Modern day literature. This is a thought piece and it is a beautifully written tribute and memoir. The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide exceeded my expectations and brought me through a range of emotions. David Shih's narrative performance enhanced the story through his ability to convincingly portray a variety of distinct characters. I would recommend this to aspiring writers, fans of great writing and animal lovers, especially those who have a special place in their hearts for cats.

Cats Choose Us - We Don't Own Them (Kristin Cast)

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