Hiro Arikawa; trans. by Philip Gabriel
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, translated from the Japanese by Philip Gabriel, is the story of the enduring friendship between Saturo and his cat, Nano. Nano begins life as a stray cat, but when he is hit by a car, Saturo rescues him, cares for him, and adopts him.
The narrative alternates between third-person point of view, which reveals Saturo’s background and friendships; and first-person point of view, which is in Nano’s voice. Nano reveals himself to be sardonic, opinionated, proud, observant, sarcastic, manipulative, loving, and fiercely loyal. Just as Saturo adopts Nano and is protective over him, Nano reciprocates by being protective and loyal toward Saturo. They communicate with each other and understand one another. But Nano has the advantage of being able to communicate with other animals.
After living together happily for five years, Saturo announces they are going on a car trip across Japan to find a new home for Nano. Saturo had made arrangements with his childhood friends, school friends, and university friends, each of whom has agreed to care for Nano. But an obstacle presents itself with each visit to a friend. This convinces Saturo he cannot leave Nano behind. What he doesn’t know is that Nano has orchestrated the obstacles so he can remain with Saturo. Eventually, the two end up living with Saturo’s aunt who has promised to take care of them during Saturo’s medical treatment. Although hints are dropped throughout about Saturo’s illness, the nature of his illness or its gravity is not revealed until late. The novel’s trajectory and ending are highly predictable.
This is a story about compassion, loyalty, friendship, loss, and grief. It is about the role four-legged friends can play in assuaging loneliness. It is about reciprocity and companionship. It uses simplistic language, which may or may not be due to the translation, and it a quick and easy read. Although the novel has heart and may be a tear-jerker for some, others may feel it lacks substance and depth.