The Travelling Cat Chronicles

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

4 (3)
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0857526332
ISBN 13: 9780857526335
Publication date: October 29th, 2018
Publisher: Doubleday
Pages: 247

Genres: Travel

Nana, a charming yet peculiar cat, embarks on an unexpected journey alongside his beloved owner, Sōichi. As they traverse the scenic landscapes and bustling streets, Nana grapples with the uncertainties of travel and the deeper bonds that hold them together. Each stop along their route unfolds unique encounters, showing how pivotal relationships can pivot one’s perspective on life.

As the adventure progresses, Nana reflects on his experiences and the profound connection he shares with Sōichi, filled with warmth and tenderness. The interwoven stories reveal not only the depth of companionship between a pet and its owner but also explore themes of love, loss, and the fleeting moments that define existence. Every person they meet along the way adds a layer to Nana's understanding of the world.

Through a blend of joy and nostalgia, the journey becomes a poignant testament to the power of companionship and the importance of cherishing the moments that define us. Nana learns that while the road may be long and winding, it is the bonds forged along the way that truly make the travels worthwhile.

Reviews

  • chris.bat

    Mar 28, 2025

    I wanted to like this book more but it just never got there, but still a good story with an ending I had a feeling was coming as I saw hints throughout the story.

  • jennif34087

    Jun 06, 2025

    "Just try it - try pulling me out by force from this basket and I swear I'll scratch so many lines on your face you'll be able to play checkers on it for the next three months."Let me start by saying that I'm a bit biased - I love cats and I love all things Japanese, so this book had me pretty excited. When I started the book, all I could think about was how cute it was; I was hooked from the very first paragraph! Part of the book is written from the perspective of the cat, Nana, while the rest is written from a third person point of view explaining Satoru's life and the lives of his friends and family.Even though I'm extremely empathetic, easily connecting to others even when they don't exist, I always stand by one rule when it comes to media - if something can connect with you and invest you so strongly in the story that it can make you cry and tug so forcefully on your heartstrings, that's a sign that it's a damn good piece of art, whether it's a book, a movie or something else. This book has the ability to make you smile, laugh, and even cry. The characters are beautifully crafted and the story is wonderful."I have everything I need in life, so why am I such a mean, small person? Why can't I be kinder than Satoru, who has so much less?" Honestly, I felt such a strong urge to respond to this quote. From my own personal experience, those that have lost so much and felt so much pain and sadness, they are typically the ones that smile the brightest and have the kindest hearts. I believe they are like this because they don't want to worry or burden others, and they don't want others to feel as low as they have felt or may still be feeling.This book reached out to me on so many levels. It warmed my heart, broke it, filled it with laughter, broke it again, and then warmed it again. The feels here are real, my friends. When I first bought the book, I thought the cat would be the main focus - that it would only follow the cat, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it explored his owner, Satoru, and his life as well as those that have entered his life. I'm not disappointed that the cat wasn't the only focus. Not one bit.This next paragraph may contain a spoiler. From the start, I wondered why Satoru wanted to give away Nana so bad when he clearly loved his so strongly. It wasn't long before my worrisome mind started picturing a bunch of different scenarios as to why. Deep down, I knew why he was looking for a new home for Nana, but I had grown to love Satoru so much that I didn't want to admit it. The book hadn't openly stated it at first, so I held onto hope. Then, towards the end, they finally said it; Satoru was dying. It broke my heart. To think he had been so sick for so long but all he did was smile and act like he was okay...End spoilerI would have finished this book sooner, to be honest, but I recently started playing World of Warcraft again and I'm a bit addicted. Plus, I was pretty sure how the book was going to end and I was trying to avoid that. By the way, Noriko, Satoru's aunt, drops a huge bombshell towards the end. Like holy hell, my jaw literally dropped open, I couldn't believe it!So I finished the book last night, it's finally come to an end. How can something so sad be so damn heartwarming at the same time? If I knew what I was getting into, I wouldn't have bought this book solely because I try to avoid anything that's sad, but I have no regrets. If I could go back in time, I'd read this book again. It's the most beautiful story I've ever read in my life and it will forever stay in my heart. In the end, everyone's life must come to an end, but that's not the end of your book, it's just the end of a chapter. This book helps you to re-evaluate life and death in the best way possible.Satoru. Nana. You'll both be in my heart forever. Thank you for sharing your story, I'll never forget the lessons you taught me.

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