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)

Beautiful Story about Human Connection

What a beautiful tale about love and the moments that connect us.

I expected a fairy tale about a gallivanting cat (which would have been fine with me!). But I received a touching reflection on friendship and how companionship makes a live well-lived.

This one will stay with me for a long, long time.

Great story

The story was excellent the only thing is tanslation was british and where I know what was referenced some Americans might not, I really loved the cat he had such a personality in this book,

Brilliant cat connaisseur

A masterpiece!

Beautiful story taking you literally on a trip around Japan, sharing the beauty of the country, the culture, and the people. The central characters are a young man with genuine kindness and a beautiful heart, and his cat, who is the perfect mixture of devotion, independence, and wit.
If you are a cat lover, this story will make you laugh, cry, and relate to both feline and human emotions so brilliantly described, you won’t be able to turn it off until it’s over...

Great story

I liked the fact that the animals talked in this story. As a cat owner, some of the cat's antics were relatable and funny. I would preferred more of the cat story and a little less of the "people" plots, but it all tied together in the end. (Spoiler alert) a bit of a "tear jerker" at the end, but not the usual case of the pet dying. The narrator's voices were okay.

Very uplifting book

This book was beautiful. I don’t normally listen to something like this but I am glad I did! Very beautifully written and narrated.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I loved everything about this gentle story. Be sure to have plenty of tissue available, there are lots of emotional moments. The author really got the personality of a cat perfectly.

Heartfelt, had me cryin

I loved this book so much I am so touched by it. I will always think of this book. It makes me love cats even more if that’s even possible

sweet story

This audible had more to it than I expected. I really enjoyed the narration, the pacing, the sweet characters. A perfect escape.

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