On my last trip to Terschelling island I met a travelling cat. A handsome black fellow having its own raised bench on the passenger’s side of a grey van. Food and water in their slots on the dashboard. The car being parked, the cat was playing the cool dude, resting its elbow on the open window. Or so it seemed ;-)
I had to think back to this regularly while reading The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa — the first book I picked and finished for this year’s Japanese Literature Challenge 12. A picture of the cat I met would be perfect here but alas, I have none.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a novella about a stray cat called Nana (七) being taken in by Satoru. They become companions in life, and on the road in Satoru’s grey van.
When I finished the book -a month ago already- I threw it across the room. I HATE IT! I shouted — at the same time telling the hubs to quickly go read it… I guess the story more upsets me really than evoke rage. It is way too close to my heart, and I can’t take it.
So, kudos for Arikawa’s way with words. When another of her works is translated I will be sure to pick it up. But I may never read The Travelling Cat Chronicles again. It’s a thumbs up I don’t dare recommend. All I can say is: if you plan on gifting this book, be sure to include hankies.
Back to the Japanese Literature Challenge. Unfortunately not much will come of my plans to read a J-Lit for each of the three months. It ends March 31st and though I gave Haruki Murakami’s De moord op Commendatore (Killing Commendatory) first part; een idea verschijnt a shot, the story didn’t grab me at this moment — even inducing another reading slump. I’m giving up now but still declaring JLC#12 a success. I wanted to read Japanese Literature again, and did.
And so I can choose something new from Mt. TBR… it’s going to be John Irving: Last Night In Twisted River!
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Graasland 
4 reacties
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maandag 25 maart 2019 bij 23:06
Bellezza
Isn’t it hard to read a book so beautiful and sad at the same time? I felt similar to how you describe. Yet, it is hopeful. I love how they reconnected in spirit at the end of the novel. I’m glad you were able to read this; one is all that is “required,” but better yet, you met your goal. Thank you for helping the JLC stay alive! And good luck with your John Irving. He writes books that are so odd, one wonders how they reflect life. Until you find yourself in one of his scenarios.
maandag 25 maart 2019 bij 23:07
Bellezza
p.s. I will add your link to the wrap up post this Sunday.
maandag 25 maart 2019 bij 23:38
Gnoe
Thank you!
woensdag 1 januari 2020 bij 18:57
Joining the 13th Japanese Literature Challenge | Graasland
[…] all-time low in reading Japanese Literature for me. I managed only one book originating in Japan: The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa. I hate and love this story at the same time. I might not even have read it if it […]