Today's review is about a book that was incredibly successful in Japan and the movie based on it was presented during day 1 of Tokyo Film Festival, last year.
The entire story is from the point of view of Nana, a stray black and white cat.
Nana is a skilled hunter and is able to take care of himself (yes, it is a he), but one night he gets hit by a car and left almost dead on the side of the road. Using the few strengths he has left, Nana reaches the house of a young man, Satoru, who sometimes feeds him.
Satoru hears the cat's cries and, once he discovers it, he rushes to the veterinarian, who's able to save Nana's life. That's how Nana became Satoru's cat.
Five years have passed since then and now Nana and Satoru are going on a road trip to meet Satoru's school friends, from elementary to high school and University.
Satoru is acting like he's trying to find a new owner for Nana out of his old friends and Nana doesn't understand why nor has any intention of leaving him.
From childhood friend Sawada to high school's Yoshimine and University's couple friends Chikako and Sugi, we get to understand why Satoru is so fond of Nana, a feeling that goes way beyond mere cat-loving as there's a more profound bond here.
Satoru hears the cat's cries and, once he discovers it, he rushes to the veterinarian, who's able to save Nana's life. That's how Nana became Satoru's cat.
Five years have passed since then and now Nana and Satoru are going on a road trip to meet Satoru's school friends, from elementary to high school and University.
Satoru is acting like he's trying to find a new owner for Nana out of his old friends and Nana doesn't understand why nor has any intention of leaving him.
ππMy Thoughts
I think I've already said it in some other posts: I'm a dog person. I think cats are beautiful, almost regal but they sometimes act indifferent towards their owner and that's just something I can't overcome...The protagonist of this book is just like that, fierce and independent, but also full of love for Satoru. Nana always repeats he could go back being a stray anytime, but there's something about Satoru's manners and kindness in confront of Nana that makes it stay with his human.
Nana loves for Satoru may not show at first but, as the reader moves on in the story, you see how much it cares for him. Satoru's friends are also kind and willing to take Nana with them, but he always finds a reason to keep the cat with him.
Most of the Japanese books I've read have a heartbreaking ending and this one is no different but the journey that took the protagonist to that point is moving and leaves you with a smile on your face as you turn the last page.
I love how Satoru and Nana changed the lives of the people they meet, even if it's just a brief encounter, with Satoro's aunt, Noriko, being the best example of it.
I like reading animals related books exactly for this reason: their power of helping or just support their human is amazing and the bond that creates between them unbreakable.
I'm going to watch the movie as well and I'll leave the trailer down here if this book review made you curious.
This is it for this year's Japanese Week.
I'll keep posting about Japan's movies and books so, if you liked these kinds of contents,
stay tuned.
Nana loves for Satoru may not show at first but, as the reader moves on in the story, you see how much it cares for him. Satoru's friends are also kind and willing to take Nana with them, but he always finds a reason to keep the cat with him.
Most of the Japanese books I've read have a heartbreaking ending and this one is no different but the journey that took the protagonist to that point is moving and leaves you with a smile on your face as you turn the last page.
I love how Satoru and Nana changed the lives of the people they meet, even if it's just a brief encounter, with Satoro's aunt, Noriko, being the best example of it.
I like reading animals related books exactly for this reason: their power of helping or just support their human is amazing and the bond that creates between them unbreakable.
I'm going to watch the movie as well and I'll leave the trailer down here if this book review made you curious.
This is it for this year's Japanese Week.
I'll keep posting about Japan's movies and books so, if you liked these kinds of contents,
stay tuned.
γγγγΎγγ!
(jΔ matane - I'll see you soon)
My vote: 10/10
Ph: goodreads.com. asianwiki.com & vk.com
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