Review: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Quick Info:

Book Type: Chapter Book

Target Age: 13+

Recommended Age: 14+

Plot: In the perspective of a cat, this book follows Nana and his owner as they visit various old friends to see who can take care of Nana after Satoru can mysteriously no longer have him in his care.

Review

I picked this up thinking it would be a cozy read but it ended up having some heavy topics such as parent loss and confusion leads some people to think a character will commit suicide. It’s a slow read and each chapter reads as a short story throughout the life of the character. The cat’s narration is funny and dry which pairs well with his human’s emotional personality. The mystery of why the cat-loving Satoru can no longer care for Nana drives you to keep reading.

Opinion

This book wasn’t my cup of tea but if you like a more introspective drama then it’s for you.

Content:

• Temples, charms and lucky numbers

• Minor mentions of alcohol, main character drinks once

• Minor potty mouth words (damn, idiot)