Author: Hiro Arikawa

Year of Publication: November 2012

PLOT: 3.8/5

CHARACTERS: 4/5

WRITING: 4/5

CLIMAX: 4/5

ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5

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Plot:

A pretty fascinating novel about life in general, the unexpected turns in people’s lives, the people they meet, and the locations they end up written from the perspective of a cat and a few other characters.

Traveling by car is Nana the cat. He has no idea where he is going or why, but at least he gets to ride in the front seat of Satoru’s silver van. They travel together through the many seasons of Japan, calling on some of Satoru’s old acquaintances. He meets Sugi and Chikako, a kind-hearted couple who own a B&B that welcomes pets, as well as Kosuke, a grieving husband whose cat-loving wife recently left him. Yoshimine is a brusque and unsentimental farmer who views cats as nothing more than ratters. Even a really unique puppy makes Nana rethink his contempt towards the canine genus.

But why are we on this road trip? And why is Nana such a hot topic right now? Satoru won’t say, and Nana is unsure. Yet when Nana resolves the issue, his little heart will break.

It’s a great experience to read this book! From page one, the characters and the plot will enthral you and keep you turning the pages. Stories of good things and bad things, friendships and rivalry, families and heartbreak will be revealed to you. Your heart will be filled and your intellect will be satisfied by each of them, whether they bring you joy or pain.

Although pets play a significant part in the plot, I don’t believe you have to love animals to enjoy it. Even though I personally am not a huge fan of “fur babies,” I adored every page of it. And if you enjoy having pets, I believe you will enjoy it much more than I did. In fact, I’m starting to feel like getting a cat right now!

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

A quirky, moving, and melancholy novel that was originally written in Japanese. At times in the beginning of this work, you might find it to be a bit overly basic, but stick with it—it will capture your interest. The story is told from the viewpoint of Satoru Miyawaki and his devoted cat Nana, who was given this name because the Japanese character for the number seven looks like his tail.

The two then visit the splendour and vivacity of nature, the sea’s elemental energy, and Satoru’s parents’ graves. This is the tale of a guy and his cat and what they will go through to maintain their relationship for as long as they can. It talks about Satoru’s life, his friends, and—most importantly—his strong friendship with the knowledgeable and devoted Nana. This is a soft read that is wonderfully engrossing. I can see why this book has reportedly been a bestseller in Japan. A fantastic book to read!

Will I recommend this book?

This book is a great choice for both new and experienced readers because it’s a cosy, enjoyable read. Yes, recommended.

Final Verdict

Undoubtedly, this narrative is sentimental and heartbreaking, but despite—or perhaps precisely because of—its simplicity, the message is profound and will strike a chord with animal lovers of all stripes, especially those who share a particularly close affinity with their feline pals.