'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' by Hiro Arikawa is a heartwarming tale narrated by a stray cat named Nana, who is taken in by a man named Satoru. The story revolves around their journey across Japan as Satoru seeks a new home for Nana. Through Nana's perspective, readers learn about the bond between man and animal, the importance of friendship, and the themes of love and loss. The narrative alternates between Nana's point of view and reminiscences from Satoru's past, providing a unique and touching portrayal of their relationship.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn; Nana offers witty commentary, while Satoru embodies kindness and warmth, with a cast of well-rounded supporting figures that represent different facets of relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends first-person narration from the cat's perspective with third-person storytelling, creating an emotional yet humorous narrative that captures deep connections.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a stray cat, Nana, and his owner, Satoru, as they embark on a road trip across Japan, aiming to find Nana a suitable new home while delving into Satoru's past and the connections he has made.

Setting:

The setting spans diverse locations across Japan, highlighting its cultural richness and scenic beauty, which enhances the thematic depth of the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is measured and reflective, with a gradual build-up to emotional climaxes that resonate deeply with readers.

IN HER PREVIOUSjob, Noriko had often been posted to new places, so she was used to moving. She would take what she needed out of the cardboard boxes, steadily unpacking, always in the same order. When...

Notes:

The story is narrated partly from the perspective of a cat named Nana, who has a sassy and intelligent voice.

Nana is a stray cat that Satoru, a cat-loving man, rescues after he gets injured by a car.

The title "Nana" means "seven" in Japanese, which is derived from the shape of his tail.

Satoru sets out on a journey to find a new home for Nana, visiting old friends he hasn't seen in years.

The narrative alternates between Nana's perspective and third-person viewpoints of Satoru's past and his friends' lives.

Each person Satoru visits has their own struggles, reflecting themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact one individual can have on others.

The story unfolds across various beautiful settings in Japan, including reminders of Japanese culture and values.

Although narrated from a cat's perspective, the book explores deep emotional themes of loss and the bond between humans and pets.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Travelling Cat Chronicles include themes of grief and loss, particularly concerning the fate of pets and the relationships that are impacted by these events.

From The Publisher:

A book that "speak[s] volumes about our need for connection-human, feline or otherwise" (The San Francisco Chronicle), The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice that shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy-the perfect gift for cat lovers and travellers!

We take journeys to explore exotic new places and to return to the comforts of home, to visit old acquaintances and to make new friends. But the most important journey is the one that shows us how to follow our hearts…

An instant international bestseller and indie bestseller, The Travelling Cat Chronicles has charmed readers around the world. With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru's longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe…

With his crooked tail-a sign of good fortune-and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.

On New York Post's Required Reading List

Ratings (47)

Incredible (19)
Loved It (17)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (166):

Read It (47)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (82)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (32)

3 comment(s)

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It Was OK

4 months

“My story will be over soon. But it's not something to be sad about. As we count up the memories from one journey, we head off on another. Remembering those who went ahead. Remembering those who will follow after. And someday, we will meet all those people again, out beyond the horizon.”

A cute little book that got a lot better within the last ~15% of it, otherwise it was overly cheesy and felt very much like a YA book. Quick enough of a beach read though.

Carissa

Loved It

6 months

Reading Rush Challenge: Read a book with a nonhuman main character.

aausum652

Loved It

9 months

I should have seen the ending coming but I trusted a friend and read it anyway. Loved it though.

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About the Author:

Hiro Arikawa is a renowned author from Tokyo. Her novel The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a bestseller in Japan and is due to be published around the world.

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The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Hiro Arikawa