A couple in their thirties 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.

A Ring:
Marmee463
Billbooks
glade1
azuki
Bookgirrl
Weeder
061019Alexandra

A cat comes into the lives of a marries couple and riches there marriage and commitment to each other. In small subtle scenes with few words Hiraide show how a marriage sparkles again. Anyone having a cat can see the catbehavior instantly. It is a comforting booklet, but also a book about change and how it affects us.
The space in this book is narrow, a housingblock in Tokyo, but it is describe vividly, totaly not the megacity you think of Tokyo, but small, a place with trees and crooked alleys, where you can imagine a temple. Just having been in Tokyo it reminds me of Yanaka.
it is a thin book, only 140 pages, but if you finish it you want to read it again, every day a chapter, a meditation after a full day. So The Guest cat also enriches the life of the reader.

The Cat has landed and is now a 'guest' in our home in Templestowe. I will place it on top of the TBR pile. Thank-you iiwi.

This is a charming story, ideal for 'cat people' and those interested in Japanese fiction. It is a well-written piece which not only entertains but also provides some philosophical insights.
Thank-you iiwi, it will now make its way to Billbooks.

The cat is now beating a path to Billbooks abode.

Update: I was told the cat arrived safely at Billbooks house in Malvern East.

I guess something is going wrong here.