the travelling cat chronicles sinopsis

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Hiro arikawa , philip gabriel  ( translator ).

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Hiro Arikawa

Ratings & reviews.

What do you think? Rate this book Write a Review

Friends & Following

Community reviews.

Humans who think we don't understand them are the stupid ones.

Somebody, help me! But that was idiotic. Nobody was going to help a stray. Then, I remembered the man who came every night to leave me crunchies. Maybe he could help.

Humans always underestimate our language skills. Just cause they can read and write, there's no need to act all high and mighty.

I yawned back. Sorry. Zero interest. Noriko just didn't get it. A wide box spoils all the fun; it offers none of the charms of being inside a box.

Satoru turned to Kosuke with a grave expression on his face, "Kosuke, could you, like, kind of straddle the railing?"

Because it was a very special thing - to have your own cat in your home.

“Listen cat, I was wondering if you would like to become my cat?” Saturo asks. As for names..”How about Nana?” “What?” Your tail “hooks in the opposite direction from Hachi’s and from the top it looks like nana, the number seven.” “Now wait just a second. Isn’t Nana a girl’s name. I’m a full fledged, hot blooded male..” “You’re okay with that, aren’t you, Nana?” “Do you like the name?” Nope! But well. Asking that while stroking my chin, is playing foul. I purred in spite of myself. “So you like it. Great” I told you already, I do not.

...it was a very special thing—to have your own cat in your own home.

...Satoru rescued me when I broke my leg. He made me the happiest cat on earth. I'll always remember those five years we had together.... The town where Satoru grew up too, I would remember that. And the green seedlings swaying in the fields. The sea, with its frighteningly loud roar. Mount Fuji, looming over us... The land in Hokkaido stretching our forever. Those vibrant purple and yellow flowers by the side of the road. The field of pampas grass like an ocean. The horses chomping on grass. The bright red berries on the mountain-ash trees. The shades of red on the mountain ash that Satoru taught me. The stands of slender white birch... I would remember these for the rest of my life. Could anyone be happier than this?

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Book Reviews

'travelling cat' chronicles friendship, loss and life on the road.

Ilana Masad

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Buy featured book.

Your purchase helps support NPR programming. How?

• Independent Bookstores

When I first started The Travelling Cat Chronicles — by Hiro Arikawa, translated by Philip Gabriel -- I was admittedly skeptical. I am a cat lover, obsessed with my own kitties as well as the myriad cat memes and wholesome videos that pepper my social media, but I wasn't sure how to react to what seemed, at first, like a schmaltzy novel partially voiced by a proud male stray. But soon I realized what the trouble was — and it wasn't with the book, but with me. My busy, cynical, constantly enraged mind didn't know what to do with a book that was, at its core, joyful. As a book critic, I tend to engage with so-called Serious Books that take on Big Issues. But The Travelling Cat Chronicles is no less valuable for facing issues of friendship, family, loss, and grief with an optimistic and loving outlook. In fact, the book's greatest strength is that it allows its readers to experience vicarious happiness even as a sense of impending loss begins to creep through the pages.

It was easy to stick with the book, as it's full of cat logic gems. When the novel's central character Satoru asks a cat he's just met, "I guess you want something in exchange for being stroked?" the cat responds with his signature haughty style: "Quick on the draw, this one. Quite right. Got to get something in return for having my sleep disturbed." When this cat is hit by a car, he crawls up to Satoru's silver van, hoping to be helped, and is rewarded not only with medical care but with a home, too. Satoru takes the cat in and names him Nana — seven in Japanese — because of how his tail crooks to one side and looks like that number. The pair live together happily for a few years before, due to unforeseen circumstances, Satoru is forced to try to find a new home for Nana, and sets off on a series of brief road trips to visit friends and loved ones from his past.

Here, Kitty, Kitty: Even Dog Lovers Should Read 'The Guest Cat'

'The Friend' Is No Shaggy Dog Story

Satoru first visits a childhood friend, Kosuke, whose wife has recently moved back in with her parents. It is during this chapter that we switch out of Nana's point of view — he narrates about half the book — and into an omniscient narrator who tells us about the boys' friendship and how they bonded with a cat called Hachi (which means eight) when they were both in elementary school. Soon after, though, during a school trip, Satoru was called home — his parents had both died in a tragic accident, and he was forced to move in with a childless aunt who couldn't take Hachi in as well.

The second friend Satoru visits is Yoshimine, now a farmer. Yoshimine and Satoru have been friends since their junior high days, where they were both new students who'd moved to the district due to family difficulties — Satoru's parents died, and Yoshimine's were both so busy with work that they sent him away to live with his grandmother. The third visit Satoru makes is to a couple he's been friends with since high school and university days, Sugi and Chikako. He once had a crush on Chikako, but Sugi, in love with her himself, begged Satoru to keep his crush to himself.

None of them — Kosuke, Yoshimine, Sugi and Chikako — are a good fit to take care of Nana, for a variety of reasons, all of which Nana contributes to, not wanting to be left behind. He's a proud cat, but he's loyal and loving. On a ferry trip, when he's forced to stay in an animals-only room, Nana is shamed by the other animals, accused of being pampered because of how often Satoru visits him, asking if he's lonely. Until, that is, a chinchilla cat tells them all to shut up: "Don't you understand? It's his master who's the lonely one?"

Indeed, Satoru is the lonely one, but with Nana by his side, it appears he can muster up the energy for one last tour of Japan, one last meeting with beloved friends. At each turn, in each history of friendship revealed to us readers, it's clear that Satoru has always been a cheerful person, despite his hardships. He's been loving and attentive and has always tried to do his best for those around him. He is a study in kindness, a true cat fanatic — as Nana correctly identifies him — and his story winds to an end in a beautiful, loving, heartbreaking way. I found myself sobbing through the last 40 pages or so, unable, unwilling, to let this joyful little book go. I doubt many readers — as cynical and hardened as they may be — will get through it dry-eyed themselves. And you know what? Sometimes a good happy-sad cry is just what the doctor ordered.

Ilana Masad is an Israeli-American fiction writer, book critic, essayist, and editor for hire.

“The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa

T he Japanese are fascinated by cats, and it’s not difficult to find shrines dedicated to them. There are cats that live in train stations (one, at least, has a uniform and a “job”) and cat cafés, where people go to pet them and hang out with them. We are all familiar with the maneki-neko , the beckoning good-luck cat who appears in Asian shops everywhere, ensuring the success and prosperity of the enterprise. And they like to write about them, too; in Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book (1002) the Emperor Ichijo, who was the earliest Japanese emperor (or anyone else of note in Japan) to own one, loses his cat at one point, and everyone has to go and look for it.

Centuries later Japan’s most eminent modern novelist, Natsume Sōseki, produced his three-volume masterpiece I Am A Cat over a period of two years (1904-06), and the reason it had three volumes is because the reading public wanted more than Sōseki had originally planned to write. The book is, among other things, a scathing critique of conformity and an attack on the pretensions of academics (he lives with one), all seen through the eyes of a ferociously intelligent, but sometimes pompous cat who, unlike Nana in Hiro Arikawa’s book, never manages to acquire a name and ends up getting himself drowned in a container of beer out of which he can’t climb. Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, famous amongst other works for The Makioka Sisters , wrote a novella entitled A Cat, A Man, and Two Women in 1936, where a cat named Lily is the focus for the relationship between the three characters.

There is even, courtesy of author Jiro Akugawa, a Japanese detective cat named Holmes who can understand human language and has strange deductive powers which he uses to team up with a policeman and solve crimes.

Arikawa has a knack for making cats believable.

This book is somewhat different from the others, featuring a cat who travels with his owner in a silver van, though I am pretty sure that Arikawa is very familiar with Sōseki’s cat, as Nana himself is one of the narrators and he can be quite critical of humans and their motives. The difference is that this book is very gentle and the humor doesn’t often bite; it’s a book about connection and communication, and about the nature of the relationship between cats and humans, or, by extension, animals and humans. Loving animals is one of the things that elevates human beings and endows them with a kind of nobility.

The book may be written in a simple and plain style, but don’t let that fool you; Arikawa may be disingenuous sometimes, but she does have some serious things to say in this book, and they are worth saying. It’s also a book about a journey; after Satoru adopts the stray cat and names him Nana, they embark together on a journey to various parts of Japan and visit people, some of them from Satoru’s past.

This traveling structure means that the book is a quest novel, but we don’t know exactly what is being looked for, which is why the ending is so poignant and I won’t spoil it by repeating it here. “As we count off the memories from one journey,” Nana says at the very end of the book

we head off on another. Remembering those who went ahead. Remembering those who follow after.

The book is about memories, as Satoru reunites with his aunt Noriko, who had a hand in raising him, and as Nana relives his past and learns to live side by side with another cat.

Nana does not know until the end of the book why Satoru wants to go on a long road trip and take him along for the ride, and neither does the reader. What we know is that for some reason Satoru himself feels that he can’t look after the cat for ever and needs to find him a home. He visits several old friends he hasn’t seen for a long time as well as his aunt Noriko. At one point, Nana stays with Satoru’s friends Sugi and Chikako, who own a bed-and-breakfast for pet owners.

This is the narrative framework as Satoru and Nana travel around Japan in the silver van, and through this we are filled in on their pasts and what their relationships were between themselves and other humans or cats. The link between Nana and Satoru turns out to be a cat called Hachi whose care Satoru and his family had taken over because his friend Kosuke’s father wouldn’t let him keep it. When Satoru’s parents are killed in an accident, he has to go and live with his aunt, but Hachi can’t go with him and Kosuke’s father still refuses to take him. This abandonment is what leads Satoru to adopt Nana, and the indestructible bonding begins. “I will never, ever leave him,” Nana says later in their relationship, and he never does, as the ending will demonstrate. Everyone needs a connection in life’s journey, and Satoru, a quiet and sensitive man, genuinely comes to love Nana, not just as a “pet” but as a genuine and empathetic companion.

Arikawa’s double narrative works very well in bringing this out. “Cats take quietly whatever comes their way,” muses Nana just before Satoru decides to take him on the journey,

as Satoru’s roommate I had been a perfect cat, so I should be a perfect companion on this journey he seemed intent on making.

And the cat, who is really the center of the novel, brings out not just the compassionate, caring and loving qualities of Satoru, but demonstrates that others have them, too. Satoru’s friends respond positively to both Nana and himself, and Noriko, the reluctant cat-minder, is won over to the extent that she allows another cat, also an abandoned one, which she calls Calico, into her house. Nana’s reaction is “Welcome. You’re the next cat, aren’t you?” He observes wryly a little later,

And so Noriko plunged into a life in which this demanding young kitten has her wrapped around her little finger every day.

In a rather moving twist at the end, Nana says of Noriko,

we live together, but I’m not Noriko’s cat. Forever and ever I am your cat, Satoru. That’s why I can’t become Noriko’s.

By that time, though, Satoru is dead.

The success of Arikawa’s novel is her knack for making cats believable. Of course, they can’t speak or speculate, so there’s always the danger of anthropomorphising them. Sōseki’s cat, for all the intelligence he displays, often seems just a little bit too observant and satirical in his commentary on humans, but Nana is much less formal and not as negative. He wonders at the things humans do; “humans are so easygoing,” he observes, but “a cat’s behaviour is controlled by real-life factors,” and he doesn’t like the way some of them stare at him. “Hey, you idiotic couple,” he “says” to two young people watching him eat, “how would you like it if somebody pointed at you when you’re eating?”

Nana is curious about other life-forms, too; he knows about dogs and cats, but horses are quite another thing.

Horses? Those things ? I’d seen them on TV, but this was my first time seeing the real thing. On TV, they looked much bigger.

These light touches are all over the book, because although Arikawa has some serious things to say about the relationship between people and animals, not to mention about human love and friendship, she knows that these episodes make the book warmer and more … human.

The book has an almost folkloric aspect, too, because it’s about those uncomplicated human traits such as friendship, loyalty, and even sacrifice, not just on the part of Nana, but from Satoru and Noriko, too. In spite of the ostensibly sad ending, this is a positive book because it suggests continuity over transience. “My story will be over soon,” Nana observes at the end, “But it’s not something to be sad about.”

John Butler recently retired as Associate Professor of Humanities at the University College of the North in The Pas, Manitoba, Canada, and has taught at universities in Canada, Nigeria and Japan. He specializes in early modern travel-literature (especially Asian travel) and seventeenth-century intellectual history. His books include an edition of Sir Thomas Herbert’s Travels in Africa, Persia and Asia the Great (2012) and most recently an edition of Sir Paul Rycaut's Present State of the Ottoman Empire (1667) and a book of essays, Off the Beaten Track: Essays on Unknown Travel Writers .

Share this:.

• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES

by Hiro Arikawa ; translated by Philip Gabriel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 2018

Gentle, soft-spoken, and full of wisdom.

A wise and witty cat and his gentle master share an indomitable spirit that helps them survive and thrive in any situation in this Japanese bestseller.

The white cat with the crooked tail is happy with life as a stray. He is just fine without humans, thank you very much. But when a car hits him, breaking his leg, he thinks of the kind man who leaves him food and lets him sleep on the hood of his van. Satoru Miyawaki welcomes the stray that shows up at his door and nurses him back to health. He names the cat Nana, the Japanese word for the numeral seven, the shape of the cat’s crooked tale. Nana and Satoru form a bond of love and loyalty that grows deeper over the five-plus years they share their lives. So it’s a surprise when Satoru embarks on a road trip across Japan with Nana in an attempt to find a new home for the cat with childhood friends. The reason for the journey is revealed later, and we also learn details of Satoru’s life through conversations with his friends and Nana’s smart-alecky commentary. Despite its seeming simplicity, the novel contains surprising depth. Arikawa artfully portrays Nana’s “catness,” from the subtle flick of an ear to a lashing tail. He pairs Nana with the gentle soul of Satoru, who has learned to allow the trials of life to strengthen him and polish his spirit. And he leads readers to see what Satoru learned and Nana already knew: that the key to a well-lived life is acceptance.

Pub Date: Oct. 23, 2018

ISBN: 978-0-451-49133-6

Page Count: 288

Publisher: Berkley

Review Posted Online: July 30, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2018

LITERARY FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP

Share your opinion of this book

THE NIGHTINGALE

by Kristin Hannah ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2015

Still, a respectful and absorbing page-turner.

Hannah’s new novel is an homage to the extraordinary courage and endurance of Frenchwomen during World War II.

In 1995, an elderly unnamed widow is moving into an Oregon nursing home on the urging of her controlling son, Julien, a surgeon. This trajectory is interrupted when she receives an invitation to return to France to attend a ceremony honoring  passeurs : people who aided the escape of others during the war. Cut to spring, 1940: Viann has said goodbye to husband Antoine, who's off to hold the Maginot line against invading Germans. She returns to tending her small farm, Le Jardin, in the Loire Valley, teaching at the local school and coping with daughter Sophie’s adolescent rebellion. Soon, that world is upended: The Germans march into Paris and refugees flee south, overrunning Viann’s land. Her long-estranged younger sister, Isabelle, who has been kicked out of multiple convent schools, is sent to Le Jardin by Julien, their father in Paris, a drunken, decidedly unpaternal Great War veteran. As the depredations increase in the occupied zone—food rationing, systematic looting, and the billeting of a German officer, Capt. Beck, at Le Jardin—Isabelle’s outspokenness is a liability. She joins the Resistance, volunteering for dangerous duty: shepherding downed Allied airmen across the  Pyrenees to Spain. Code-named the Nightingale, Isabelle will rescue many before she's captured. Meanwhile, Viann’s journey from passive to active resistance is less dramatic but no less wrenching. Hannah vividly demonstrates how the Nazis, through starvation, intimidation and barbarity both casual and calculated, demoralized the French, engineering a community collapse that enabled the deportations and deaths of more than 70,000 Jews. Hannah’s proven storytelling skills are ideally suited to depicting such cataclysmic events, but her tendency to sentimentalize undermines the gravitas of this tale.

Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-312-57722-3

Page Count: 448

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2014

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2014

HISTORICAL FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP

More by Kristin Hannah

BOOK REVIEW

by Kristin Hannah

More About This Book

BOOK TO SCREEN

SEEN & HEARD

THEN SHE WAS GONE

by Lisa Jewell ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2018

Dark and unsettling, this novel’s end arrives abruptly even as readers are still moving at a breakneck speed.

Ten years after her teenage daughter went missing, a mother begins a new relationship only to discover she can't truly move on until she answers lingering questions about the past.

Laurel Mack’s life stopped in many ways the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left the house to study at the library and never returned. She drifted away from her other two children, Hanna and Jake, and eventually she and her husband, Paul, divorced. Ten years later, Ellie’s remains and her backpack are found, though the police are unable to determine the reasons for her disappearance and death. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel begins a relationship with Floyd, a man she meets in a cafe. She's disarmed by Floyd’s charm, but when she meets his young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is startled by her resemblance to Ellie. As the novel progresses, Laurel becomes increasingly determined to learn what happened to Ellie, especially after discovering an odd connection between Poppy’s mother and her daughter even as her relationship with Floyd is becoming more serious. Jewell’s ( I Found You , 2017, etc.) latest thriller moves at a brisk pace even as she plays with narrative structure: The book is split into three sections, including a first one which alternates chapters between the time of Ellie’s disappearance and the present and a second section that begins as Laurel and Floyd meet. Both of these sections primarily focus on Laurel. In the third section, Jewell alternates narrators and moments in time: The narrator switches to alternating first-person points of view (told by Poppy’s mother and Floyd) interspersed with third-person narration of Ellie’s experiences and Laurel’s discoveries in the present. All of these devices serve to build palpable tension, but the structure also contributes to how deeply disturbing the story becomes. At times, the characters and the emotional core of the events are almost obscured by such quick maneuvering through the weighty plot.

Pub Date: April 24, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5011-5464-5

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018

GENERAL THRILLER & SUSPENSE | SUSPENSE | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | SUSPENSE

More by Lisa Jewell

by Lisa Jewell

• Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
• News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
• Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
• Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
• Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
• More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
• About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

• Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.

"The Travelling Cat Chronicles" Summary

By Hiro Arikawa

fiction | 288 pages | Published in NaN

Estimated read time: 6 min read

One Sentence Summary

A heartwarming tale of a cat's journey across Japan, bringing joy and healing to the lives of those he meets along the way.

Table of Contents

Introduction, brief synopsis, plot overview, main characters, summary of different story points over chapters, main events, themes and insights, reader's takeaway.

"The Travelling Cat Chronicles" is a heartwarming novel written by Hiro Arikawa. This beautifully crafted book takes readers on a journey of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Through the eyes of a stray cat named Nana, the story explores the human-animal bond and the profound impact that animals can have on our lives. With its charming narrative and poignant themes, "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" captures the essence of the human experience and the unconditional love that exists between humans and animals.

Set in Japan, "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" follows the adventures of Nana, a stray cat with a distinctive crooked tail. Nana's life takes a turn when he meets Satoru, a kind-hearted young man who becomes his owner. The two form an instant bond and embark on a series of road trips together. Along the way, they encounter various characters and explore different landscapes, each contributing to their personal growth.

The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks as Nana narrates his past experiences to his fellow feline friends. Nana reminisces about his life as a stray cat and how he eventually crosses paths with Satoru. Satoru, who has a deep love for animals, takes Nana into his home and gives him a name. The two quickly become inseparable.

As the narrative progresses, Nana and Satoru face challenges that test their bond. When Satoru unexpectedly announces that he can no longer keep Nana, they embark on a journey to find Nana a new home. Together, they visit old friends and acquaintances, searching for the perfect match. Along the way, Nana learns about Satoru's troubled past and the sacrifices he has made for his feline companion.

"The Travelling Cat Chronicles" is primarily set in Japan, with the characters embarking on road trips to various locations across the country. The author vividly describes the landscapes, from picturesque countryside scenes to bustling cityscapes. Through these settings, readers are immersed in the beauty and diversity of Japan's natural and urban environments.

Chapter 1: The Meeting

• Nana, a stray cat, encounters Satoru, who rescues him from a rainstorm.
• Satoru takes Nana home and gives him a name.
• Nana and Satoru form a strong bond.

Chapter 2: The Road Trip Begins

• Satoru announces that he can no longer keep Nana.
• Nana and Satoru embark on a journey to find Nana a new home.
• They visit Satoru's old friends and acquaintances, hoping to find a suitable owner for Nana.

Chapter 3: Memories Unveiled

• Nana and Satoru visit Chibi, Satoru's childhood friend, who cannot take in Nana.
• Nana learns about Satoru's troubled past and the sacrifices he has made for him.
• The journey brings back memories and strengthens the bond between Nana and Satoru.

Chapter 4: A Reunion

• Nana and Satoru reunite with Kosuke, an old high school friend.
• Kosuke shares insightful stories about Satoru's selflessness and loyalty.
• Nana realizes the depth of Satoru's love for him.

Chapter 5: A Bittersweet Farewell

• Nana and Satoru visit Noriko, Satoru's former girlfriend.
• Noriko's presence evokes mixed emotions and prompts reflection on past relationships.
• Satoru makes a difficult decision regarding Nana's future.
• Nana's rescue by Satoru and their immediate bond.
• The announcement that Nana needs a new home and the start of their journey together.
• Visiting old friends and acquaintances in search of a new owner for Nana.
• The revelation of Satoru's troubled past and the sacrifices he has made for Nana.
• Reflection on the complexities of human relationships through encounters with Satoru's childhood friend and former girlfriend.
• The bittersweet farewell as Satoru makes a difficult decision about Nana's future.
• The power of friendship and loyalty: The story explores the deep bond between Nana and Satoru, highlighting the unwavering loyalty and love that can exist between humans and animals.
• Self-discovery and personal growth: Through Nana's journey with Satoru, the novel delves into the transformative power of experiences, as both characters learn more about themselves and each other.
• The importance of living in the present: "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" emphasizes the value of cherishing the present moment and finding joy in everyday encounters.
• Reflection on the human experience: The book prompts readers to reflect on their own relationships, the choices they make, and the impact they have on others.

"The Travelling Cat Chronicles" is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant novel that celebrates the power of love, friendship, and the unique bond between humans and animals. Through its charming narrative and beautiful storytelling, Hiro Arikawa reminds us of the profound impact that animals can have on our lives and the importance of embracing the present moment.

In "The Travelling Cat Chronicles," Hiro Arikawa takes readers on a remarkable journey filled with love, friendship, and self-discovery. Through the eyes of Nana, a stray cat, the novel explores the depth of human-animal relationships and the enduring bonds that can be formed. With its poignant themes and engaging storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles FAQ

What is the genre of 'the travelling cat chronicles'.

The genre of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is fiction.

Who is the author of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles'?

The author of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is Hiro Arikawa.

What is the main theme of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles'?

The main theme of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is the bond between humans and animals.

What is the story about?

The story follows the journey of a cat named Nana and his owner Satoru as they travel together in search of a new home for Nana.

Is 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' based on a true story?

No, 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is a work of fiction.

Is 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' suitable for all ages?

Yes, 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is suitable for readers of all ages.

Does 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' have any sequels?

No, 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' is a standalone novel.

What are the readers saying about 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles'?

Readers have praised the heartwarming story, beautiful writing, and emotional depth of 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles'.

Is 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' available in other languages?

Yes, 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' has been translated into several languages.

Where can I purchase 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles'?

You can purchase 'The Travelling Cat Chronicles' online or at your local bookstore.

Books like The Travelling Cat Chronicles

The Color Purple

By Alice Walker

White Teeth

By Zadie Smith

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

By Junot Díaz

Fahrenheit 451

By Ray Bradbury

Review: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

The Summary

Nana the cat is on a road trip. He is not sure where he’s going or why, but it means that he gets to sit in the front seat of a silver van with his beloved owner, Satoru. Side by side, they cruise around Japan through the changing seasons, visiting Satoru’s old friends. He meets Yoshimine, the brusque and unsentimental farmer for whom cats are just ratters; Sugi and Chikako, the warm-hearted couple who run a pet-friendly B&B; and Kosuke, the mournful husband whose cat-loving wife has just left him. There’s even a very special dog who forces Nana to reassess his disdain for the canine species.

But what is the purpose of this road trip? And why is everyone so interested in Nana? Nana does not know and Satoru won’t say. But when Nana finally works it out, his small heart will break…

Synopsis by Goodreads

The Review:

This book reminds me of something Robin Williams says in one of my all time favorite movies, Dead Poet’s Society: “Sometimes, the most beautiful poetry can be about simple things, like a cat or a flower, or rain. You see, poetry can come from anything with the stuff of revelation in it.” Maybe it was just the cat reference, but I think this observation could totally apply to The Travelling Cat Chronicles – minus the poetry part! 

At a glance, the story is simple. It’s about a cat-loving guy named Satoru and the cat he adapts from off the street who he names Nana. Also, Hiro Arikawa’s writing is so charming, this book could have been placed in the children’s section of the library and I would have been none the wiser. 

However, once I dove further into the story, I was struck by how observant a writer she is – particularly when it comes to cats! Sections of this book are narrated in the first person by Nana. His voice is so distinctly and delightfully, well, cat-like!  Near the end of the book Satoru’s aunt offers Nana a larger, better cardboard box so she can get rid of the small, beat-up one he likes. Nana rejects it, telling the reader, “cats the world over prefer to discover things they like on their own and rarely go for anything that’s been provided for them.”

What really solidified this as a 5 star read for me is“the stuff of revelation” within this book. In particular, one of the main themes of the story is the fear being alone. It quickly becomes apparent, that while Satoru is a kind and thoughtful person who has many friends, he also emotionally and physically isolated from them. He is not entirely able to communicate, or receive what he needs from his human friends and family. The only character who is able to truly connect with him, and be there for him, is Nana. One of the loneliest things about life is that only you can live it. Even the most introverted amongst us need companionship. We all need a Nana along in our own life’s journey!  

The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a fantastic little book that made me laugh many times, tear up a few times, and ultimately left me so happy (and  possibly re-thinking my own currently cat-less existence)! 

For more Japanese literature please also be sure to  check out our review of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.  

I am a freelance writer who works in the financial sector by day. I hold a B.A. in English which is just a fancy way of saying I like to read a lot! When I am not writing for Literary Quicksand I can be found on Instagram @the_book_ends where my brother and I share our current reads and literary exploits. I can also be found at jessicawerre.com .

Related Posts

Review: the waves take you home by maría..., book review: summer heat by defne suman, review: everyone but myself by julie chavez, review: death in the dark woods by annelise..., review: the jinn daughter by rania hanna, review: masters of death by olivie blake, review – order from chaos: the everyday grind..., review: the housemaid by frieda mcfadden, review: aftershock by zhang ling, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Authors & Events

Recommendations

• New & Noteworthy
• Bestsellers
• Popular Series
• The Must-Read Books of 2023
• Popular Books in Spanish
• Coming Soon
• Literary Fiction
• Mystery & Thriller
• Science Fiction
• Spanish Language Fiction
• Biographies & Memoirs
• Spanish Language Nonfiction
• Dark Star Trilogy
• A Joe Pickett Novel
• Penguin Classics
• Award Winners
• The Parenting Book Guide
• Books to Read Before Bed
• Books for Middle Graders
• Trending Series
• Magic Tree House
• The Last Kids on Earth
• Planet Omar
• Beloved Characters
• The World of Eric Carle
• Llama Llama
• Junie B. Jones
• Peter Rabbit
• Board Books
• Picture Books
• Guided Reading Levels
• Middle Grade
• Activity Books
• Trending This Week
• Romantasy Books To Start Reading Now
• Page-Turning Series To Start Now
• Books to Cope With Anxiety
• Short Reads
• Anti-Racist Resources
• Staff Picks
• Memoir & Fiction
• Features & Interviews
• Emma Brodie Interview
• James Ellroy Interview
• Nicola Yoon Interview
• Qian Julie Wang Interview
• Deepak Chopra Essay
• How Can I Get Published?
• For Book Clubs
• Reese's Book Club
• Oprah’s Book Club
• happy place " data-category="popular" data-location="header">Guide: Happy Place
• the last white man " data-category="popular" data-location="header">Guide: The Last White Man
• Authors & Events >
• Our Authors
• Michelle Obama
• Zadie Smith
• Emily Henry
• Amor Towles
• Colson Whitehead
• In Their Own Words
• Qian Julie Wang
• Patrick Radden Keefe
• Phoebe Robinson
• Emma Brodie
• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Laura Hankin
• Recommendations >
• Books To Read if You Love Challengers
• Western Romance Novels
• Insightful Therapy Books To Read This Year
• Historical Fiction With Female Protagonists
• Best Thrillers of All Time
• Manga and Graphic Novels
• happy place " data-category="recommendations" data-location="header">Start Reading Happy Place
• How to Make Reading a Habit with James Clear
• Why Reading Is Good for Your Health
• 10 Facts About Taylor Swift
• New Releases
• Memoirs Read by the Author
• Our Most Soothing Narrators
• Press Play for Inspiration
• Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
• Listen With the Whole Family

Look Inside | Reading Guide

Reading Guide

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

By hiro arikawa translated by philip gabriel, by hiro arikawa read by george blagden translated by philip gabriel, category: literary fiction, category: literary fiction | audiobooks.

Oct 23, 2018 | ISBN 9780451491336 | 5 x 7 --> | ISBN 9780451491336 --> Buy

Oct 23, 2018 | ISBN 9780451491343 | ISBN 9780451491343 --> Buy

Oct 23, 2018 | 360 Minutes | ISBN 9781984827302 --> Buy

Buy from Other Retailers:

Oct 23, 2018 | ISBN 9780451491336

Oct 23, 2018 | ISBN 9780451491343

Oct 23, 2018 | ISBN 9781984827302

360 Minutes

Buy the Audiobook Download:

• audiobooks.com

About The Travelling Cat Chronicles

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

Listen to a sample from The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Also by hiro arikawa.

About Hiro Arikawa

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

Product Details

You may also like.

The Book of Form and Emptiness

Patterns of India

The Starless Sea

How Much of These Hills Is Gold

The Borrower

Gods of Jade and Shadow

The Goodbye Cat

The Shadow of the Wind

The Invisible Library

Practical Magic

Praise for The Travelling Cat Chronicles “Anyone who has ever unashamedly loved an animal will read this book with gratitude, for its understanding of an emotion that ennobles us as human beings, whether we value it or not.”—Lynne Truss, The Guardian “It’s the wisdom and stoicism of the feline narrator that makes this book such an engaging read. Like Alison Jean Lester’s recent Yuki Means Happiness, it provides a fascinating insight into Japanese culture and traditions, but ultimately it doesn’t matter that it’s about a man and a cat. Like Of Mice and Men or The Kite Runner, Arikawa’s central concern is friendship and the things we’ll do for the people, or animals, that we love”— The Irish Times “Continues the Japanese tradition of folkloric tales that celebrate simple values such as self-sacrifice and friendship. It has the warmth, painterly touch, and tenderness of a Studio Ghibli film—and is a delight to read.”— Financial Times “A beautiful travelogue.”— The Sunday Morning Herald “Like the very best cats, Hiro Arikawa’s inventive tale sneaks up on you and works its way into your heart on its own terms. Once it does, it doesn’t let go.”—Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus  “At times comic, at times poignant, their trip is one this reader will remember with fondness for a long, long time.”—Philip Gabriel, translator of the English edition of  The Travelling Cat Chronicles ​ “As simple as both the premise and prose of  The Travelling Cat Chronicles , it’s a novel that will leave your heart both comfortably full and utterly raw.”—Bustle   “I doubt many readers—as cynical and hardened as they may—will get through it dry-eyed.”—NPR   “[Arikawa’s] book stands out within the world of cat literature…and it’s a world worth exploring.”— Time   “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.”— Publishers Weekly   “Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Hiro Arikawa is a masterful storyteller.”—Medium   “Gentle, soft-spoken, and full of wisdom.”— Kirkus Reviews “With wisdom, humor and compassion, in The Traveling Cat Chronicles , Hiro Arikawa tells the story of a powerful bond between a man and his cat.”—Shelf Awareness

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Just for joining you’ll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members.

• Entertainment

Read This If You Love Cats

W henever I’m reading a hardcover cat-related book in public–especially one featuring a cat who talks–I always remove the dust jacket. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m one of those ladies. While the “cat lady” stereotype endures, the reality is that there are secret, and sometimes not-so-secret, leagues of men who are just as crazy about them. The central character of Hiro Arikawa’s winsome and bittersweet novel The Travelling Cat Chronicles –a best seller in Japan, now translated into English by Philip Gabriel–is one of those men. Satoru loves cats in general and one cat in particular, a former stray with an auspiciously crooked tail whom he names Nana.

Nana himself, in a peppery interior monologue, tells the story of the duo’s first meeting: He has been sleeping on the hood of Satoru’s silver van, parked outside his apartment building; the young man notices and tries to coax him with a bit of chicken. “You think you’ll get all friendly with me by doing that?” the soon-to-be-named Nana observes incredulously. “I’m not that easy. Then again, it’s not often I get to indulge in fresh meat–and it looks kind of succulent–so perhaps a little compromise is in order.”

The dog lover’s bookshelf, stretching from J.R. Ackerley’s My Dog Tulip to John Grogan’s Marley and Me and beyond, may be long. But there are nearly as many cat book genres as there are types of cats, too: mysteries starring cats, memoirs about people’s lives with cats, guides to figuring out how to make our cats’ lives better. The mind of a cat remains essentially unknowable, no matter how many cat books a cat person reads, but Arikawa clearly knows cats as well as any human can. From the outset they must make their disdain for humans clear, only to give in and accept the food already. Because what cats feel, Arikawa knows, is not really disdain but a kind of cautious custodianship of their love. It’s not something they can give away to just anybody. That understanding of the wariness of feline affection–and its ability to grow, over time, into a thrumming force as deep as a throaty purr–drives this fleet, funny and tender book.

Shortly after that first meeting, Nana truly becomes Satoru’s cat, settling quickly into the rhythms of domestic feline contentment. But fate intervenes, and he and Satoru strike out on a journey that illuminates Satoru’s past and the friendships–human and feline–that helped shape him as an adult.

Satoru takes Nana to a grave site along the way, prompting some observations about the differences between the ways humans and animals view death. The cat’s way, as Nana explains it, could free some humans from lifelong angst. “When an animal’s life is over, it rests where it falls,” he notes. “If you have to consider what’s going to happen after you die, life becomes doubly troubling.”

The story Arikawa tells is ultimately joyous, though it’s brushed with melancholy. No one gets through life without sadness, as any human who has lost a cat, and any cat who has lost a human, knows. This is a gentle book about the way cats bear witness to our lives, weaving through and around our days just as readily as, in moments of spontaneous affection or plain old hunger, they weave around our legs.

Are cats born with strong, distinct personalities? Or do their personalities take shape only when they’re exposed to humans? Not even a human as perceptive as Arikawa can answer those questions definitively. But her book stands out within the world of cat literature even so, and it’s a world worth exploring. Arikawa examines loyalty and the nature of belonging–of people belonging to animals, and the other way around. Her book gives in to emotion without slipping into sentimentality. And like cats themselves, it walks with dignity. So you can read it with the dust jacket on.

More Must-Reads from TIME

• How Joe Biden Leads
• Do Less. It’s Good for You
• There's Something Different About Will Smith
• What Animal Studies Are Revealing About Their Minds—and Ours
• What a Hospice Nurse Wants You to Know About Death
• 15 LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride
• TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

• Getting Started
• Start a Book Club
• Book Club Ideas/Help▼
• Our Featured Clubs ▼
• Popular Books
• Book Reviews
• Reading Guides
• Blog Home ▼
• Find a Recipe
• About LitCourse
• Course Catalog

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

• Nana is the cutest girl. She is also smart and aware of her talents. She has paws and purrs. Her father Satoru cannot take of her anymore and must give her up. He searches for someone to take care of Nana and begins visiting people who may be good candidates. As Nana and her father take trips in their car Satoru meets old friends, meets new friends and his own story unfurls in the process. — aghaemi

It looks like we don't have any synopsis for this title yet. Be the first to contribute.

Contribute to this page

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

The Travelling Cat Chronicles quotes

Enjoy the selection of my favorite quotes from Hiro Arikawa’s “The Travelling Cat Chronicles,”:

• In the cat world, good manners are a must.
• ‘Do you really want to see the cat that much?’ ‘He’s family, ’ Satoru replied.
• Always looking on the bright side.
• As I explained earlier, most animals are multilingual when it comes to listening, but reading is beyond us.
• Our silver van was like a magic carriage. Every time I got into it, it carried me to a place I’d never been before. At that moment, we were without doubt the greatest travelers in the world. And I was the world’s greatest travelling cat.
• What can I tell you? Cats are realists.
• A waste of time. Cats the world over prefer to discover things they like on their own and rarely go for anything that’s been provided for them.
• Anybody who has a cat will understand.

The Traveling Cat Chronicles: FAQ

“The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa is a touching story that follows the journey of a cat named Nana and his owner, Satoru. They travel together across Japan, seeking a new home for Nana. Through their travels the book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the unique bond between humans and their pets.

The main characters of “The Travelling Cat Chronicles” are Nana, a cat with a distinctive personality and charm, and Satoru, his owner.

Hiro Arikawa

“The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa is an exquisite ode to the impact animals have on our lives, It reminds us of the amazing bond we share with our furry pals and the special moments we create together.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN How to Live Like Your Cat By Stéphane Garnier

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links, Meowpassion will get a small commission. We are dedicated to finding the coolest products for cats, cat lovers and owners and we never recommend products that do not love or do not trust.

Oksana Kosachenko

Why doesn’t my kitten drink water, recommendations for proper cat nutrition.

What a cute book! I read a book a few months ago where an inter-dimensional “dog” was a narrator. I love reading books with less conventional narrators.

Hello Briana! The book you’re talking about sounds really interesting, I will definitely check it out! Books with less conventional narrators are unique and can be really beautiful.

Comments are closed.

• Member Login
• Library Patron Login

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR

FREE NEWSLETTERS

Search: Title Author Article Search String:

Reviews of The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Summary | Excerpt | Reading Guide | Reviews | Beyond the book | Read-Alikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

by Hiro Arikawa , Philip Gabriel

Critics' Opinion:

Readers' Opinion:

• Literary Fiction
• East Asia (except China)
• Contemporary
• Adult-YA Crossover Fiction
• Books in Translation
• Asian Authors
• Books About Animals

Rate this book

About this Book

• Reading Guide

Book Summary

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, 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.

Excerpt The Travelling Cat Chronicles

I am a cat. As yet, I have no name . There's a famous cat in our country who once made this very statement. I have no clue how great that cat was, but at least when it comes to having a name I got there first. Whether I like my name is another matter, since it glaringly doesn't fit my gender, me being male and all. I was given it about five years ago – around the time I came of age. Back then, I used to sleep on the bonnet of a silver van in the parking lot of an apartment building. Why there? Because no one would ever shoo me away. Human beings are basically huge monkeys that walk upright, but they can be pretty full of themselves. They leave their cars exposed to the elements, but a few paw prints on the paintwork and they go ballistic . At any rate, the bonnet of that silver van was my favourite place to sleep. Even in winter, the sun made it all warm and toasty, the perfect spot for a daytime nap. I stayed there until spring arrived, ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

• The Travelling Cat Chronicles exemplifies the idea that life isn't about the destination; it's about the journey. How do both Satoru and Nana show us that life is what we make of it?
• Friendships come and go, as we all know. Yet friendships are everlasting in this book, despite the years that go by without any contact. Do you think this is true in real life? Aided by social media and how fast communication is now—via e-mail, chat programs, and text messages—have you reached out to someone you were close to many years ago but were no longer in touch with? Did this book make you want to reach out to someone?
• The idea of being saved is a theme in this book—whether it's Nana literally being saved from ...
• "Beyond the Book" articles
• Free books to read and review (US only)
• Find books by time period, setting & theme
• Read-alike suggestions by book and author
• Book club discussions
• and much more!
• Just $45 for 12 months or $15 for 3 months.
• More about membership!

Media Reviews

Reader reviews, bookbrowse review.

The novel brings to the reader a powerful message about the value of friendship and solitude. It shows, above all, how acts of love, both great and small, can transform our lives (Carol N). This was a great book; so much soul searching and reflection was relayed in these pages. The way the author details Saturo's life was beautiful; I felt so much a part of his journey that I never wanted it to end (Kristen H)... continued

Full Review (708 words) This review is available to non-members for a limited time. For full access, become a member today .

(Reviewed by BookBrowse First Impression Reviewers ).

Write your own review!

Beyond the Book

Cats in japanese culture.

This "beyond the book" feature is available to non-members for a limited time. Join today for full access.

Read-Alikes

• Genres & Themes

If you liked The Travelling Cat Chronicles, try these:

Tokyo Ueno Station

Published 2021

About this book

A surreal, devastating story of a homeless ghost who haunts one of Tokyo's busiest train stations.

by Sigrid Nunez

Published 2019

More by this author

A moving story of love, friendship, grief, healing, and the magical bond between a woman and her dog.

Books with similar themes

Support bookbrowse.

Join our inner reading circle, go ad-free and get way more!

Find out more

BookBrowse Book Club

Win This Book

Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson

A beautifully written, wire-taut debut novel about a murder on a college campus and its aftermath twenty years later.

Solve this clue:

and be entered to win..

Your guide to exceptional           books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email.

Dara yang lahir di Nibung, 01 September 1993 merupakan pencinta puisi dan novel. Guru Bahasa Arab MAN 1 Pangkalpinang ini bertekad tahun ini buku pertamanya lah...

• Profil User
• Artikel User

RESENSI BUKU THE TRAVELING CAT CHRONICLES

Judul Buku : The Traveling Cat Chronicles

Penerbit : Penerbit Haru

Tahun Terbit : 2019

Jumlah Halaman : 368 halaman

Nomor Edisi : 978-602-53858-5-8

Novel yang ditulis oleh Arikawa Hiro menceritakan seorang lelaki bernama Satoru, pencinta kucing yang melakukan perjalanan untuk mencari pengadopsi kucing kesayangannya, Nana. Kucing jantan itu pertama kali Satoru temukan di atas kap mobil wagon perak miliknya. Kucing liar itu kemudian dekat dengan Satoru karena kebaikan Satoru selalu memberikan makanan di bawah wagon perak. Kemudian di suatu malam sebuah mobil menyerempet Nana dan terluka. Satoru menolongnya dan merawatnya kemudian menjadikan Nana sebagai kucing peliharaannya.

Setelah lima tahun bersama, Satoru terpaksa harus mencari pengadopsi Nana. Satoru melakukan perjalanan panjang menemui teman dekat Satoru dengan membawa Nana, dengan harapan mereka dapat mengadopsi Nana. Dalam perjalanan panjang itu, Saturo mengajak Nana melihat dunia di luar apartemennya. Perjalanan panjang yang makin mengikat hubungan batin antara keduanya.

Perjalanan panjang tersebut berbuah sia-sia, karena Nana sebenarnya melakukan penolakan kepada calon pengadopsinya. Pada akhirnya, Nanapun tetap bersama Satoru dan tinggal bersama Bibi Satoru. Di sinilah klimaks dari novel ini, ternyata alasan dia mencari pengadopsi Nana adalah karena dia akan kesulitan karena akan sering bolak-balik rumah sakit. Ya, Satoru mengidap sakit tumor dan telah menyebar ke seluruh tubuhnya. Namun Satoru tak menceritakan ini kepada calon pengadopsi Nana alasan ini. Norikolah, Bibi Satoru yang tahu penyakitnya.

Satoru pun setahun terakhir lebih sering menginap di rumah sakit dan membuat Nana begitu kesepian dan merindukannya. Di sinilah, cerita ini mengingatkan saya cerita Hachiko yang terus menanti tuannya di stasiun setelah wafat tuannya. Setiap pintu apartemen terbuka, Nana berharap Satoru yang datang menemuinya. Namun, sayang Satoru tak pernah kembali dari rumah sakit.

Kisah yang berhasil menguras air mata ini berakhir dengan kematian Satoru. Satoru sebagai tokoh super baik di sini, membuat pembaca tersentuh. Betapa banyak cobaan yang dia terima. Dari kecil saat kematian ayah dan ibunya saat dia sedang berdarmawisata dengan teman sekelasnya di sekolah dasar. Kemudian kenyataan pahit yang mengatakan dia bukanlah anak kandung, ayah dan ibunya. Dia hanya lah anak angkat yang diangkat dari orangtua yang menelantarkannya. Namun di balik semua penderitaan hidupnya, dia tak pernah mengeluh, selalu tersenyum dan merupakan teman yang baik.

Novel ini memiliki cerita sederhana. Namun setiap momen yang terjadi meski sederhana sarat akan makna. Konflik batin yang tercipta begitu baik. Tidak penuh drama, apa adanya. Tokoh Satoru begitu kuat dengan karakternya yang luar biasa. Ditambah cerita ini disertai humor dan lelucon dari seekor kucing- berhasil menambah kekayaan cerita novel ini.

Novel yang telah diterjemahkan dalam bahasa Indonesia memiliki alur campuran. Menariknya, alur campuran ini tak membuat bingung pembaca malah pembaca akan terus penasaran dengan kisah selanjutnya.

Bahasa yang digunakan dalam buku inipun mudah dipahami. Beberapa kosakata yang berkaitan dengan Jepang diterjemahkan dengan baik ditambah dengan catatan kaki-sehingga pembaca dapat memahami dan membayangkan apa yang penulis maksud.

Novel yang diawali dengan menggunakan sudut pandang seekor kucing ini, membuat pembaca pada awalnya kesulitan membedakan siapa yang lagi bercerita. Apakah Satoru atau Nana-si kucing. Namun kemudian pembaca mulai memahami setelah membaca dengan pelan dan teliti.

Catatan Pribadi:

Saya menyelesaikan mebaca buku ini semalam. Saya sangat merekomendasikan buku ini untuk dibaca. Terutama untuk pencinta kucing. Dear Cat Lover, You must read this one J

Resensi yang luar biasa. Salam kenal dan salam literasi.

Resensi yang luar biasa Bunda. Sukses.

Terima kasih bundaaa..

Keren bukunya... Iya saya juga jadi teringat dengan cerita tentang seekor anjing yang bernama Hachiko... Terima kasih sudah mengulas bukunya. Semoga selalu sehat. Salam sukses dan salam literasi

Terima kasih pak Muslih. Bener pak, terharu bener baca buku ini. Salam sukses dan salam literasi juga paak..

Resensi yang luar biasa, runtut pemaparannya sukses selalu buat Ibu Renita

Terima kaasih Pak Bambang :) Sukses selalu untuk bapak juga

Ulasan yang keren Bu..salam sukses selalu..

Terima kasih bundaa. Salam sukses bundaa

rekomended banget bunda, terima kasih atas ulasannya salam sukses selalu

Yo bunda , seru bukunya. Salam sukses bunda

Resensinya keren say... Ulassnnya runtut dan menarik. Sukses selalu

Terima kasih bundaa. Aamiin , sukses juga untuk bunda ya

Resensinya membuat saya pingin baca. Sukses selalu ..

Aaaamiinn..

Keren resensinya, sukses selalu

Terima kasih bundaa. Aaammin. Sukses juga untuk bunda

penuh hikmah dan pelajaran yg baik..semangat dan tahan banting

semoga bermanfaat ya

All Categories

• Best Practice
• Cerita Anak
• Buat Artikel Baru
• Buat Promo Buku Baru

Tentang Gurusiana

Gurusiana adalah paltform blogging yang dikhususkan untuk kalangan Guru, Dosen ataupun Pengajar Non Gelar Lainnya. Gurusiana dipersembahkan oleh Pustaka Media Guru yang bekerjasama dengan Bimadigital ( PT BIMA DIGITAL INDONESIA ) sebagai pengembang dan penyedia teknologi yang digunakan oleh platform Gurusiana

Tambah Poin Gurusiana

Lakukan aktifitas sebanyak mungkin di Gurusiana, seperti Menulis Post, Login, Follow akun dan Tulis Komentar

The Travelling Cat Chronicles review: a touching story of friendship

Hiro arikawa’s episodic novel provides a fascinating insight into japanese culture and traditions.

Cats hold an important place in Japanese culture and literature, frequently appearing as good luck charms capable of bringing blessings to anyone who honours them

What do Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis , Richard Adams' Watership Down and Paul Auster's Timbuktu all have in common? They are each narrated by or feature animals as their central characters. (Giant insect, rabbits and dog respectively.) To their number, we can now add Hiro Arikawa's delightful The Travelling Cat Chronicles , an enormous success in the author's native Japan and the first of her books to be translated into English, notably by Philip Gabriel who is best known for his translations of that other Japanese sensation, Haruki Murakami.

The novel is narrated by Nana, a stray cat who, after being hit by a car, allows himself to be taken in by a young man named Satoru while he recuperates. It’s a cushy number. All the “crunchies” he can eat, a warm bed, a friendly human and the occasional walk. He’s entirely self-sufficient and, like a member of the witness protection programme, is always ready to leave at a moment’s notice but he grows fond of his new master and, once recovered, decides to stay.

Some years later, however, things have changed in Satoru’s life and, regretfully, he needs to give Nana away and thus begins their travels together in search of the cat’s new home. Why Satoru has to part with his beloved friend is a mystery at first but our understanding grows in tandem with Nana’s and it will be a cold-hearted reader who finds himself unmoved by his predicament.

The episodic structure of the novel works well, with man and cat travelling in their silver van to the homes of various friends around Japan only to find that each one is unsuitable. And while our narrator remains patient, it’s Satoru who inspires our sympathy. An orphan from a young age, it’s clear that the only vague connection he has with the outside world is with friends from childhood with whom he has lost touch over the years. He has no girlfriend or boyfriend, no career and only a distant aunt to call family, and his loneliness is only relieved by the loving bond he builds with Nana. It’s a poignant depiction of isolation but also of a kind man, for Satoru’s simple decency is evident on every page. He’s so sympathetic, in fact, that one wonders why he’s alone at all and if there’s anything missing from the novel, it’s an explanation for his solitude.

In the wrong hands, a story like this could be little more than an entertaining curiosity, but Arikawa has a lightness of touch in her writing that elevates it to a tale about loyalty and friendship, eschewing sentimentality while speaking to our basic human need for companionship.

Cats hold an important place in Japanese culture and literature, frequently appearing as good luck charms capable of bringing blessings to anyone who honours them. They feature prominently in Murakami's novels The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore . Familiar ethnic totems such as the maneki-neko, or "beckoning cat", that adorn the windows of shops and restaurants can be found around the world and one needs to recognise this is in order to appreciate Nana's insight. A feline narrator might seem amusing or gimmicky to Western readers but it has a much richer significance for the Japanese.

Contemporary writers

It is to their credit that British publishers are currently bringing more contemporary Japanese writers to our attention. Works by Sun-Mi Hwang, Yoko Ogawa, Hiromi Kawakami and Yoko Tawada have all been well received of late while Takashi Hiraide's The Guest Cat – another cat! – was a great commercial success, the eponymous hero reuniting an estranged husband and wife. Hiro Arikawa is a well-known writer in her native country and, on the basis of this novel, it would be a treat to see more of her work translated.

In all honesty, I'm more of a dog person myself – a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Zaccy Connolly-Boyne was a great friend for many years – but ultimately, it's the wisdom and stoicism of the feline narrator that makes this book such an engaging read. Like Alison Jean Lester's recent Yuki Means Happiness , it provides a fascinating insight into Japanese culture and traditions, but ultimately it doesn't matter that it's about a man and a cat. Like Of Mice and Men or The Kite Runner , Arikawa's central concern is friendship and the things we'll do for the people, or animals, that we love.

John Boyne’s latest novel is The Heart’s Invisible Furies (Doubleday)

John Boyne, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a novelist and critic

IN THIS SECTION

Liz nugent up for top crime prize, plan your bloomsday weekend: what’s on and will i have to eat pork kidneys, reeling in the queers by páraic kerrigan: a reminder of the stigma and violence gay people faced, maggie o’farrell: contemporary critical perspectives reveal links between o’farrell and the irish diaspora, james shapiro: theatre and democracy are mutually supportive – when one is in danger, both are in danger, catholic church cancels ‘incompatible’ concert by dublin gay men’s choir, european election: michelle gildernew overtakes mullooly after strong transfer from sf colleague, roaring rural tds came looking for dáil insults and simon harris didn’t let them down, european election: ireland south results, flight from scotland to spain diverts to shannon and passenger arrested after incident on board, latest stories, irfu to create new role responsible for implementation of women’s rugby plan, university hospital limerick apologises to family of man who died after ‘horrendous ordeal’, aer lingus asks pilots for 15 days’ summer strike notice, irish property industry concerned by fall in apartment planning permissions, mortgage rules spark war of words between central bank and esri.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

• Rankings FA
• TV Premiere Calendar
• Coming in 2024
• Latest Reviews
• Cannes 2024 New

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

• Credits 
• Image gallery  [1]

All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright holders and/or producers/distributors.

• Ryôsuke Yamamoto
• Takurô Ohno
• "It offers a more substantial narrative, more striking imagery and more sophisticated technique than, say, bizarre crossovers, such as 'Samurai Cat' or 'Neko Ninja'"  Clarence Tsui : The Hollywood Reporter
• "I couldn't believe how well the actual animal was trained and captured on film (...) I can't say it enough; this is really quite a special film."  Michele "Izzy" Galgana : Screen Anarchy

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

User history

Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema.

THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES

Tabineko ripo-to | 旅猫リポート.

Nana is the cutest girl. She is also smart and aware of her talents. She has paws and purrs. Her father Satoru cannot take of her anymore and must give her up. He searches for someone to take care of Nana and begins visiting people who may be good candidates.

Summary Book

“The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa

“It’s not the journey that counts, but who is at your side.” Hiro Arikawa – The travelling cat chronicles

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Nana the cat is on a road trip. Sitting in the front seat of his favorite silver van with his beloved one, Satoru. But he has no idea about where he is heading to. Satoru is keen to visit his old friends from his youth. Though Nana doesn’t know why and Satoru won’t say anything.

Together they travel around Japan through the changing seasons. They meet Kosuke, a childhood friend from elementary school whose wife has just recently left him and moved back in with her parents. After that, they meet Yoshimine, a friend from his junior high school who is now a farmer. He is an unsentimental farmer for whom cats are just for catching rats. Finally, he meets Sugi and Chikako who have been friends of his since high school and university days. They run a hotel that allows pets to come along.

But what is the purpose of this trip? What will happen at the end of their journey? The story is mostly narrated from a cat’s point of view with a rare gentleness and striking humor. Nana’s story explores the wonder and thrill of life’s unexpected detours. It is about friendship, love, and how to experience happiness even in face of loss and grief.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, translated into English by Philip Gabriel, is a both heart-warming and heart-breaking story that will take you to various emotional routes. The storyline of the opening chapters tends to be slow. But Nana’s sarcastic sense of humor won’t give you a chance to get bored. The story may seem simple and plain. However, you will encounter unexpected plot twists in the later chapters which will stay with you long after you’ve read the book.

“It’s not the journey that counts, but who is at your side”

Nana enjoys travelling with Satoru sitting in the front seat of his favorite silver van. All that matters for him is to stay beside Satoru no matter what. And he is ready to fight anything or anyone that would stop him from doing so. Also, he is a loyal cat willing to protect Satoru no matter what. He proved so by fighting with Sugi’s dog which is bigger in size compared to him.

I love how the story is portrayed from a cat’s point of view, Nana narrating most parts of the story. It’s hard for the readers to forget about Nana’s judgmental attitude, his attraction to warm objects, especially the TV from Sugi and Chikako’s place, and old cardboard boxes.

“Humans who think we don’t understand them are the stupid ones”

Nana being a former street cat, is so proud of his street smarts. Being a proud cat with particular survival skills, he believes that he is superior to any animals he meets, especially humans. He understands human language and criticizes humans whenever he has a chance.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles does have an enormously sad ending. However, it is one of those special kinds of sad endings that is beautiful, heart-warming, and teaches the readers how to move on with life after a loss. It’s all worth the tears. Honestly, I could hardly remember the last book that had me sobbing like this one. Nonetheless, I would read it again and recommend everyone to read this book like Satoru telling every passer-by why he named his cat Nana. There is no doubt that it’s a must-read book for cat lovers.

Author Information

Hiro arikawa.

Hiro Arikawa won the tenth annual Dengeki Novel Prize for new writers for Shio no Machi (Wish on My Precious) in 2003. Her 2006 light novel Toshokan Sensō (The Library War) became Hon no Zasshi ’s number one for entertainment for the first half of 2006 and came fifth in the Honya Taishō for that year.

She has written about the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF); her first three novels concerning its three branches are known as the Jieitai Sanbusaku (The SDF Trilogy). She also wrote about the fictional Library Forces in the Toshokan Sensō series. Raintree no Kuni , which first appeared as a book within a book in Toshokan Nairan which Arikawa later published as a spin-off with another publisher. It was adapted into a film titled World of Delight released on November 21, 2015.

Her novel  Shokubutsu Zukan  became a film titled  Shokubutsu Zukan: Unmei no Koi, Hiroimashita  ( Evergreen Love ), released on June 4, 2016. Likewise, two other of her novels, i.e. Freeter, Ie wo Kau and Hankyū Densha were respectively in film or TV series in 2010 and 2011.

Tabineko Ripouto  was published in English as  The Travelling Cat Chronicles  in 2017. In it, the protagonist is a cat called Nana, which travels with his owner, Satoru, across Japan.

Philip Gabriel

Philip Gabriel received his doctorate in Japanese literature from Cornell University after studying in Japan under a Fulbright graduate fellowship. He published his first translation of a short story by Haruki Murakami in 1988. Since then, he has published many translations of Murakami ‘s works.

In addition, he has published translations of novels by Kenzaburo Oe , Senji Kuroi , Masahiko Shimada , and Natsuo Kirino . His translation of Kuroi ‘s novel  Gunsei (Life in the Cul-de-sac)  won the 2001 Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Prize for the translation of Japanese Literature, and in 2006 he won the PEN/Book-of-the-Month Club Translation Prize for his translation of Murakami ‘s  Kafka on the Shore .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview