Review by Booklist Review
Multiple shes and cats populate this gratifying, slim novel, which arrives with a decades-long history that undoubtedly underscores its timeless appeal. Shinkai launched his career as one of Japan's most lauded animation and manga artists with the five-minute film, She and Her Cat (1999), later expanded into beloved, award-winning anime and manga series. Shinkai's stories are now adapted into a gentle prose novel by Nagakawa and smoothly translated by Takemori. In four interlinked chapters, each prefaced by a gorgeously intricate black-and-white drawing by Rohan Eason, lonely women find lifesaving company with feline companions. Miyu discovers a kitten in the pouring rain, her anxious isolation as a single (over-) working woman assuaged by Chobi's devotion. Chobi's furry new friend Mimi eventually becomes student Reina's greatest comfort. Mimi's daughter Cookie helps shut-in Aoi, who is mourning for her late best friend, re-enter the outside world. Reigning tomcat king Kuro reluctantly allows Shino to take adoring care of him in their golden years. A satisfying epilogue connects everyone. The greatest humanity, of course, is found in the complex, caring, and insightful four-footed characters.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Filmmaker and writer Shinkai (Your Name) conceives a whimsical and moving linked collection about a group of cats who help their owners find the strength they are unable to see in themselves. In "Sea of Words," a young admin worker is afraid to ask the man she's dating about the status of their relationship, and finds comfort from a cat named Chobi, who calls her his "girlfriend." In "First Blossoming," Chobi's cat friend Mimi befriends an art student who decides to drop out of school and work at a design office, but faces immense obstacles in pursuing her dream to be a painter. "Slumber and Sky" follows a manga artist who falls into a deep depression when her childhood best friend suddenly dies the day after they have an explosive argument, but she finds the strength to move forward with the help of Mimi's kitten, Cookie. While some of the human characters' backstories feel slightly rushed, the author's earnest depictions of the friendships between people and felines produces genuine wonder. The stories are rather simple, but they're sure to satisfy readers looking for a quick pick-me-up. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Director and screenwriter Shinkai produced the popular short film She and Her Cat in 1999. The award-winning anime series that grew out of the film is presented here by screenwriter and novelist Nagakawa as a series of short stories. An impressive ensemble of narrators, including Winson Ting, Julia Strowski, Jacqui Bardelang, Hana Teraie-Wood, and Nile Faure-Bryan exquisitely convey the warmth, friendship, and love shared between cats and their owners--a loosely used term, since cats are clearly the real owners. The interconnected stories depict the alternating perspectives of the felines and their women owners. Despairing Mimi is found on a stormy night beside a local train, while proud, feral Kuro deliberates about whether he wants an owner and home. John, a congenial dog, oversees all the neighborhood's cats and shares his own experience and wisdom. Each narrator deftly creates believable distinct cat "voices" and their humorous personalities. The well-rendered women's voices range from angry and frustrated to confident and independent, while details about their past lives add dimension and humanity. VERDICT Each story in this charming collection flows naturally, conveying how owners and their pets understand and nurture each other. The outstanding audio production brings listeners the same audience intimacy as a well-performed play.--Susan G. Baird
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