by Hiro Arikawa
A book that "speak[s] volumes about our need for connection — human, feline or otherwise."—The San Francisco Chronicle
A life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice, The Travelling Cat Chronicles shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy.
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.
A book that "speak[s] volumes about our need for connection — human, feline or otherwise."—The San Francisco Chronicle
A life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice, The Travelling Cat Chronicles shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy.
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.
Reviews-
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August 20, 2018
Nana, a stray cat adopted by 30-something Satoru Miyawaki, narrates this lovely tale by Arikawa (Library Wars) of the travels that the pair take when Satoru must look for a new home for Nana. The stray is a proud, independent hunter who only deigns to be adopted after he is struck by a car and rescued by Satoru. After five years together, Satoru comes to the conclusion that he has to find a new home for Nana and so arranges a series of meetings with friends from his youth—Kosuke from elementary school, Yoshimine from junior high, and Sugi and Chikako from high school and college. Each of his friends is willing to take in Nana, but in the end, none of them proves to be right for the cat. Both enjoy their journey in Satoru’s silver van, which enables Satoru to renew old friendships and allows Nana to meet other pets and observe some of Japan’s beautiful scenery, including Mt. Fuji and the northern island of Hokkaido. Readers will perhaps pick up on the reason that Satoru must find Nana a new home before the cat does, but Arikawa is very subtle with this plotline. This touching novel of a brave cat and his gentle, wise human will resonate with lovers of animal tales, quiet stories of friendship, and travelogues alike. -
This quirky, gentle tale of the friendship between a Japanese man and his beloved pet is told by Nana the cat. The audiobook is more poignant and less ridiculous than it sounds. George Blagden narrates with a quiet formality suitable for this story, translated from Japanese, and especially for the dignified feline's point of view. Blagden portrays Nana's initial disdain at being adopted by Satoru, who provides care when Nana is hit by a car. When Satoru and Nana embark on an adventurous road trip around Japan, Blagden narrates Nana's observations with humor and sarcasm. His occasional delivery of cat sounds is amusing and suitably sparse. When Nana realizes the purpose of his travels with Satoru, his grateful reflections reveal his love for his treasured human. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
