Meet Nana, he’s the voice of The Travelling Cat Chronicles. How is his story amazing? And different? We need to tell you about it.

This is a cat that has a dry humour, and a practical view of life. Through his eyes we follow the story of Nana’s life and times and those of his owner Satoru. The writing is humorous, sharply written and vibrant with insight. We hope the movie from Japan (due October 2018) lives up to expectations.

Their relationship is beautifully and affectionately described throughout the book and their mutual regard will make you smile in recognition as a fellow cat owner.

The Translation of the Travelling Cat Chronicles

The world of Japan colours every page of the book but not in an obvious way, and the impression of clarity, freshness and the sheer beauty of the story is translated from the original Japanese with great skill and sensitivity by Philip Gabriel. The story flows so naturally you would hardly believe it was written in one language and translated into another. If you are a serious reader, you might recognise Philip Gilbert as the man who translates one of Japan’s foremost writers – Haruki Murakami

The Cat Chronicles Story Unfolds

Nana’s story starts in the same way as that of many strays. He is a survivor who has his favourite haunts and warm spots for the cold winter months. He also has an eye for the best soft touch and settles on one young man, the one who drives a silver van with a warm hood, Satoru.

This is a road movie in book form. The story unfolds like layers of tissue paper around a gift, revealing more about the characters, their own individual stories and their impact on the life of Satoru. We know that Satoru has to rehome Nana when he begins his search. He starts with the closest friends from his past, and our question is ‘why’.

Is Satoru getting married and his fiancé hates cats? Is Satoru moving abroad and Nana can’t travel there? Why is he being so affectionate and loving but still determined to give Nana a new home? As the pair visit their friends, the story transforms the lives of its characters in unexpected ways in true road movie style. This is until the story takes an unexpected turn and we work out what is happening.  Piece by piece as though we are assembling a puzzle or watching a flower unfold, we begin to understand.

The turn transforms the story into an extraordinary tale of love and recollection, making it a story that defines friendships as they last over time. The cat’s tale shows us how, even late in the day, friendship, affection and family ties can change every one of us for the better.

A superb book that every cat lover will be touched by. #Click To Tweet

Did We Like the Cat Chronicles Story?

We did.

Do not read this book expecting it to be like any other cat and owner and adventure book. The style is elegant and well-paced, affectionate, humorous and descriptive. It approaches sadness and grief with a lighter touch which makes what happens all the more gripping. It will leave you touched and uplifted. We loved it and think any cat lover with find the story resonates deep in their hearts.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles   Author Hiro Arikawa (Amazon link)
Translated into English by Philip Gabriel (translator of Haruki Murakami)

Do you have any amazing cat books you have read lately?

Marjorie and Jack reporters on
The Travelling Cat Chronicles Review