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Paperback
By Hiro Arikawa (Author), Philip Gabriel (Translator)
Publication Date: October 12, 2023
From the bestselling author of The Travelling Cat Chronicles comes another tender and poignant exploration of the human-animal bond. In The Goodbye Cat, Hiro Arikawa presents seven quietly powerful stories, each capturing the deep and lasting connections between cats and their humans.
Translated with sensitivity by Philip Gabriel, this collection spans a variety of lives, relationships, and turning points—each one anchored by the presence of a beloved feline companion. From acts of unexpected kindness to silent goodbyes and new beginnings, these stories speak to the emotional richness of everyday life and the comfort animals bring us in times of change.
While each story stands on its own, together they weave a beautifully cohesive tapestry of love, grief, resilience, and the quiet wisdom that only a cat can offer.
"Cats come and go, but they never truly leave us—they live on in the spaces they made their own." — Hiro Arikawa
If you were moved by The Travelling Cat Chronicles, The Goodbye Cat offers that same soul-soothing blend of gentle storytelling, emotional depth, and the unique perspective only Arikawa can deliver. These stories aren’t just about cats—they’re about the people who care for them, and how the smallest acts of love and companionship can carry us through life’s biggest changes.
Ideal for animal lovers, fans of Japanese literature, or anyone needing a quiet reminder of the beauty in everyday connections, this book is a balm for the heart.
Genre: Literary Fiction, Short Stories, Animal Companionship
ISBN: 9780857529138
Publisher: Doubleday
Pages: 224 pages
Language: English (Translated from Japanese)
The Goodbye Cat is a collection that celebrates the emotional subtleties of life—the way love lingers in shared spaces, how grief can be softened by a purring companion, and how even the briefest connections can leave lasting imprints on the heart. With Arikawa’s trademark elegance and warmth, this book offers gentle, reflective storytelling that will stay with you long after the final page.