Hiraide's work really shines--Kenzaburo Oe

What initially reads like free association turns out to be a near-microscopic record of emotion and phenomena.--Alan Gilbert "The Believer"

The best novels are often the ones that change us. Over time, they stay with us- like small miracles. Takashi Hiraide, the Japanese poet and novelist, blindsided me- he shows himself to be a poet of the highest grade. A rare treasure, beautiful and profound; whether you're a cat lover or not, don't pass this one up. ultimately, it's about what it means to love and to lose. Even dog lovers will relate.--Juan Vidal "NPR"

A beautiful, ornate read, brimming with philosophical observation, humor and intelligence.-- "Publishers Weekly"

An unusually intimate, detailed and vivid picture of a place that is simultaneously private and open.--V.V. Ganeshananthan "The New York Times Book Review"

It's clear there is a tradition of literary works centering on or featuring cats in modern Japanese, and we now have from New Directions a translation of a splendid addition to that list. (...) a work of subtleties revealed only with repeated readings. I recommend it unreservedly to the general reader.--Paul McCarthy "The Japan Times"

The little feline sets off a chain of disquisitions on nature, destiny, joy, pleasure, and sorrow--Nina Sankovitch "Huffington Post"

A wonderful tale about the desire to possess and the pain of absence. And such writing! Precise, delicate, enchanting.-- "Atmospheres"

Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Pub date: 2014-01-28

Length: 144 pages