The Travelling Cat Chronicles

By: Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel

Narrated by: George Blagden

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A book that "speak[s] volumes about our need for connection - human, feline or otherwise" (The San Francisco Chronicle), The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice that shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy - the perfect gift for cat lovers and travelers!

We take journeys to explore exotic new places and to return to the comforts of home, to visit old acquaintances and to make new friends. But the most important journey is the one that shows us how to follow our hearts....

An instant international bestseller and indie bestseller, The Travelling Cat Chronicles has charmed audiences around the world. With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru's longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe....

With his crooked tail - a sign of good fortune - and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.

On New York Post's Required Reading List

©2018 Hiro Arikawa and Philip Gabriel (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Anyone who has ever unashamedly loved an animal will read this book with gratitude, for its understanding of an emotion that ennobles us as human beings, whether we value it or not.” (Lynne Truss, The Guardian)

“It’s the wisdom and stoicism of the feline narrator that makes this book such an engaging read. Like Alison Jean Lester’s recent Yuki Means Happiness, it provides a fascinating insight into Japanese culture and traditions, but ultimately it doesn’t matter that it’s about a man and a cat. Like Of Mice and Men or The Kite Runner, Arikawa’s central concern is friendship and the things we’ll do for the people, or animals, that we love” (The Irish Times)

“Continues the Japanese tradition of folkloric tales that celebrate simple values such as self-sacrifice and friendship. It has the warmth, painterly touch, and tenderness of a Studio Ghibli film - and is a delight to read.” (Financial Times)

Fur ever

Very touching story of the connection between a cat and its owner. Cats are particular in how they connect with people. I loved the faithfulness of this story to the very end.

Amazing story.

Loved it How beautifully the author writes and thought provoking. Cat lovers will definitely
understand

Crying

Very similar to The Art of Racing in the Rain. Unique story and vantage point. Names might trip you up but hang in there. Well worth it. We

What an insightful cat story!

From someone who has experienced strong bonds with cats, this rings so true. Than you for this book.

What a wonderful book!

Cat and owner go on a journey that reviews the lives of each. Both give their perspective of events. Lots of heartwarming and funny moments and the cat is especially great. So glad I took the chance on this book.

This is wonderful story about a cat & his people!

This is wonderful story about a cat & his people. I highly recommend this book!

Great story

All emotions laid out for readers to feel the connection between human & cats. What a beautiful & touching story, it sure brought tears to my eyes.

A fun and heartfelt story with a great reader, who kept me captivated and entertained

This was a great story to listen to while on the road driving. The story contained the variety of emotions and different points of view, which kept the story progressing. The journey of the boy and his cat brought to light many views on life and companionship. the reader did a great job with a different characters and had a good pace that kept the book moving along. Highly recommend that you listen to this from beginning to the end. 

Bittersweet

You’ll probably see it coming and you will cry in spite of it. You will feel prepared and you’ll probably try to fight it anyway. In the end, you’ll experience so much hope with this journey. It’s a short read, but one that’ll leave you begging for just a little more time.

One of the best audiobooks I have listened to

Wow, I can't say I expected this flood of emotions while reading a cat story.
This now is in my favorites list, the story and the audiobook.
Highly recommend the audiobook the narrator is amazing!!!!
I listen to 4 to 10 audiobooks a month so I know what I'm talking about when I rave about an audiobook/ narrator.