A Canadian Living Book Club Pick
#1 Straight Times Fiction Bestseller
"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."
—Lynne Truss, author of Eats, Shoots & Leaves, in The Guardian
"It's the wisdom and stoicism of the feline narrator that makes this book such an engaging read . . . 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."
—John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, in The Irish Times
"Has the warmth, painterly touch, and tenderness of a Studio Ghibli film—and is a delight to read."
—Financial Times
"Bewitching . . . [and] as self-possessed and comforting as—well, a cat."
—Sunday Telegraph (UK)
“Like the very best cats, Hiro Arikawa’s inventive tale sneaks up on you and works its way into your heart on its own terms. Once it does, it doesn’t let go.”
—Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus
“Arikawa examines loyalty and the nature of belonging–of people belonging to animals, and the other way around. Her book gives in to emotion without slipping into sentimentality. And like cats themselves, it walks with dignity.”
—TIME
“The heart-wrenching book every cat-lover should read."
—Bustle
“A beautiful travelogue.”
—The Sunday Morning Herald
"At times comic, at times poignant, their trip is one this reader will remember with fondness for a long, long time.”
—Philip Gabriel, translator of the English edition of The Travelling Cat Chronicles
“I doubt many readers—as cynical and hardened as they may—will get through it dry-eyed.”
—NPR
“This touching novel of a brave cat and his gentle, wise human will resonate with lovers of animal tales, quiet stories of friendship, and travelogues alike.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Hiro Arikawa is a masterful storyteller.”
—Medium
“Gentle, soft-spoken, and full of wisdom.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“With wisdom, humor and compassion, in The Traveling Cat Chronicles, Hiro Arikawa tells the story of a powerful bond between a man and his cat.”
—Shelf Awareness