The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
Translator: Jay Gabriel
Format/source: Hardcover/Library
Published: October 2018
Publisher: Viking
Length: 277 pages
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Target Age: Adult (suitable for 13+)
#OwnVoices: N/A
★★★★
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.
Review
Despite the small size of The Travelling Cat Chronicles, Arikawa does a wonderful job at defining each character’s personality. This statement applies equally to Nana and Satoru as well as to the friends who they visit. The narrative shifts throughout the book from Nana’s first person perspective to the third person perspective of the various people that Nana and Satoru visit. Nana has a no-nonsense attitude. His commentary on the actions of the people and animals around him can be amusing. But, he also behaves politely at the appropriate times and remains considerate of others. Sometimes his thoughts are quite poignant and hit the nail right on the head. We learn that he was a bit flawed and awkward as a child, yet he has always been a good person striving to do right for others.
“You shouldn’t act up like that, Nana, getting all upset over a little kitten.”
The Travelling Cat Chronicles, pg. 119
Ahem. You said you were going to leave me there, but do you really think that’s gonna fly?
“I am a little relieved, though. That we can go home together.”
This I already knew.
“Like I promised, do you want to stop by the sea on the way back?”
Sounds great! I wonder how many of the delicacies in my usual gourmet seafood blend are really in there?
The final 30 pages of The Travelling Cat Chronicles prompted me to raise my rating from three to four stars. I don’t usually read these kinds of books – where someone embarks on a final journey, a heartwarming tear-jerker that’s not too serious but still gently reflective. The fact that the story is a Japanese take on that narrative was part of its appeal for me. This book differs from the types of Japanese novels I usually read (which tend to have far fewer characters and be darkly moody). Nana’s personality and voice make The Travelling Cat Chronicles stand out from the crowd. Anyway, what I mean to say is the ending packs a punch, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t have any pets. The writing really comes together in a way that was hinted at throughout the book but not on display til the last part.
The Bottom Line
A must read for those who enjoy stories with this kind of structure (protagonist visits old friends and thus we learn a little more about them each time) or who enjoy stories that cross the Japanese countryside. I imagine it could also be a must read for cat lovers.
Further Information
- Book webpage
- Review by Jen @ Windy City Reader
- Thoughts by Neha @ Biblionyan
- Review @ Asian Review of Books
- Review @ NPR
Awwww I got this from the library to read a month or so ago and never got to it and had to return it. Japanese novels are quite different and really reflect their hyper workaholic ways. So their books tends to be soft and reflective and gorgeous instead of intense and conflict filled. I’m glad that the end turned things around and made this more enjoyable Jenna. ❤️ Though I know a 3 star isn’t a bad rating. 😉
I think you’d like this one! I hope you can get to it sometime. I feel like the Japanese novels I usually read have unnamed characters, so that was a big difference for me, haha.