About the Author

Hiro Arikawa is a renowned author from Tokyo. Her novel The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a bestseller in Japan and is due to be published around the world.

Philip Gabriel is a highly experienced translator of Japanese and is best known for his translation work with Haruki Murakami.

Reviews

Praise for The Travelling Cat Chronicles

“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

“A beautiful travelogue.”—The Sunday Morning Herald

"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 

"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​

“As simple as both the premise and prose of The Travelling Cat Chronicles, it’s a novel that will leave your heart both comfortably full and utterly raw.”—Bustle
 
“I doubt many readers—as cynical and hardened as they may—will get through it dry-eyed.”—NPR
 
“[Arikawa’s] book stands out within the world of cat literature...and it’s a world worth exploring.”—Time
 
“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