The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
If you love to read you’ve likely read books of every genre, and you’ll know that certain books leave a mark on you for various reasons. Some are disturbing, some make you think about the bigger life issues, and some are just so heartwarming that they make you smile every time you think about them. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is one of those books that falls firmly into the heartwarming camp.
On the surface it’s a simple story about Satoru Miyawaki, who is taking his beloved cat Nana on a journey through Japan to visit old friends in search of a new home for his pet. It’s not immediately clear why he has to find a new home for a cat he clearly adores, but as the story gently unfolds, we learn more about Satoru and what brought him to his cross-country journey with Nana.
Satoru adopted Nana from the streets and, despite Nana’s initial resistance to domestication, they become inseparable. Nana is so named because of the kink in his tail that resembles the number seven, and “nana” is also the Japanese word for “seven.” The story is partially told in Nana’s voice and, in fact, many of the more revealing moments about Satoru are told by the astute feline with whom he shares his life.
As Satoru and Nana set off in Satoru’s silver van, always with Nana riding up front so he can admire the changing scenery, the story of Satoru’s often heartbreaking past is slowly revealed. Satoru visits friends he has not seen in a long time, starting with Kosuke from elementary school, then Yoshimine and Sugi and Chikako from high school. As Satoru reunites with his old friends, they reminisce about the past and their shared experiences. Eventually, Satoru and Nana land at the home of his aunt Noriko, who took Satoru in as a child after a tragic era in his life. Through it all, Nana remains a keen observer who is slowly realizing the purpose of the cross-country journey.
If you are an animal lover, this book will certainly appeal to you, but at its heart it’s also a book about love, jealousy, and the relationships we form throughout our lives. The friendship between Satoru and Nana is so endearing and so pure it will restore your faith in humanity. Be warned though, this book will absolutely make you ugly cry. Reading it on your morning transit commute or in any public place is not advised! Reading The Travelling Cat Chronicles is like cuddling up with your favourite pet. It will warm your heart and remind you of all that is good in the world.
Book of the Month
Every month we will be featuring a book to be showcased in our Book of the Month. Staff members and friends will be reading the book and posting their reviews. We’d love to hear what you thought of these books as well. Post your comments and let us know. The Travelling Cat Chronicles is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of November.
