Book Review: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa (Translated by Philip Gabriel)

Rating: ★★★★★  5 star

This book *wrecked* me—in the most beautiful way. It made me smile, it made me giggle, it made me cry, and at one point, it truly made me weep. If you're an ardent cat lover or someone who shares a deep bond with any pet, this book will find a quiet, lasting place in your heart.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles is not just about a journey that Satoru and his beloved cat Nana take across Japan—it’s about life, memories, and the quiet, powerful love between a human and the animal that chooses them. Yes, chooses —because if you've ever been loved by a cat, you know it’s something special. In many ways, this is a love story: one built on friendship, loyalty, grace, and that quiet understanding that needs no words.

Cats often get a bad reputation—called selfish or aloof—but this story flips that narrative on its head. Nana is loyal, observant, brave, and deeply caring. He’s the kind of companion anyone would be lucky to have. From the moment Satoru begins feeding the stray cat hiding under his van, to the fateful day Nana comes to him, injured and seeking help, you feel their bond growing stronger with every page.

Their shared journey is full of adventures, nostalgia, and heartwarming encounters with people from Satoru’s past. He is, in his own quiet way, trying to find a new home for Nana—though you begin to sense there’s more to this than meets the eye. And when the reason is finally revealed... well, let’s just say you’ll want a box of tissues nearby.

This book has become a part of me, just like my own cat Toby has. It felt like a personal ode to the soul, a reminder of how our pets shape our lives and remain with us—forever. I loved this book *so* much. Even if you’ve never had a pet, *The Travelling Cat Chronicles* will move you.

A five-star read. A must-read.

P.S. Here’s a picture of my sweet Toby. 🐾💛