This is a tale, The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, about Nana and Saturo, a cat and his young male, human friend. The story is told through the eyes and mind of Nana, a stray cat. Nana describes how he and Saturo met, how he came to live with his friend and how he got his name. Nana also tells us, with great pride, of his independence and skill-sets he developed living as a street cat.
The story’s main chapters take place as Saturo tries to find Nana a new home and owner because he can no longer take care of him, even though Nana tells us readers it’s quite unnecessary, for he is perfectly fine with going back to the streets. Chapter by chapter, they go on the road and travel to different prospective caretakers for Nana, and we learn of each prospect’s lives, of their connection and relationship to Saturo and how they feel about cats.
Through these travels, however, Saturo, a devout cat-lover since he was a child, remains vague as to why there is a need to give up Nana and find him a new home for him. Saturo’s reasoning becomes clear as we reach the end and we see how close and endearing a relationship Saturo and Nana have, especially through a cat’s perspective. We also see how Saturo and Nana’s travels and friendship bring people together and help these relationships heal and strengthen.
This story by the author is very insightful, creative, heartfelt and funny, giving us a cat’s narrative and point of view. As the book progresses, we get a full backstory of Saturo and his friends and how caring for a cat would affect each of their lives. We also see the countryside and cities of Japan through a cat’s eyes, seeing things we take for granted for the very first time.
This book is a 281-page testament to our need for connection – human or animal. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, is a stellar representation, an anthem to friendship, giving and sacrificing, taking pleasure in the small things in life with the ones you love. This read is a great way to start the new year!