She and Her Cat

by Makoto Shinkai, Naruki Nagakawa

Genres: Literary Fiction; Women's Fiction; Cultural Heritage; Short Stories

Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

For fans of THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES and translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori, translator of CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN, a tender and mesmerizing story about kindness, community and the wonder of life

On the outskirts of Tokyo, in a neighbourhood crossed by a commuter railway, local cats weave their way through the lives and homes of their owners as they 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 persuade her outside; a woman who has dedicated her life to a distant husband learns a lesson in independence from her cat.

Against the 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 heartstopping clarity and warmth - how even in our darkest moments, community and connection may lead us to a happier place.

© Makoto Shinkai & Naruki Nagakawa 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Release date: November 22, 2022

Publisher: Atria Books

Print pages: 144

Sample

Chapter 1: Sea of Words

Credit: Rohan Eason