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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
The Traveling Cat Chronicles is a meditative novel with a heavy nod to Soseki's classic. Rather than a satirical observant eye on Japanese society, this novel uses an alternating narration from the cat as well as protagonist as they form a connection and travel to visit past friends and family. Each visit with a childhood friend opens up a window into their relationship and friendship. Because the cat is narrated in 1st person and the human action in 3rd person, the cat's personality and voice will linger in the memory. This might be peak level of the "cat fiction" that is currently translated into English. Wistful and earnest in its willingness to accept the sadness of life but also celebrate connection and bonds that we create even in the face of tragedy. The novel had me reminiscing of my childhood and the Pacific Northwest of the United States ... even though the landscape is firmly set in Japan. The rolling fields of the Palouse and mountains of the northwest could feel like Hokkaido ... or at least the book made me feel that they could. Sweet, sad novel that is worth a read or listen. 4 stars.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Like reading a beautiful dream. Extremely touching especially to those who have loved and lost pets as well as people. One I will treasure on my bookshelf forever.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief
emotional
medium-paced
This book drew me in with a charming cat and his kind owner & took me on a journey of old regrets, showed me beauty in everyday places, & left me full of emotions. In ways it reminded me of Studio Ghibli’s way of storytelling. Taking moments in life and showcasing them in a moving yet beautiful way. A must read!
Full review to come
Full review to come
Great stories and the cat has a really good point of view and attitude
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
I enjoyed reading The Traveling Cat Chronicles, and I really want to give it a higher rating. The ending had me in tears, I love the cat’s perspective and all the other animals along the way. It was in a way a “slice of life” story, but there was just one chapter that really made it harder to continue and finished the book. I could not get over it, and really had to push through. The book was also different from what I expected. Those last pages though, they really did it for me.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated