Goodreads Synopsis
The Cat Who Saved Books is a heart-warming story about finding courage, caring for others – and the tremendous power of books.
Grandpa used to say it all the time: ‘books have tremendous power’. But what is that power really?
Natsuki Books was a tiny second-hand bookshop on the edge of town. Inside, towering shelves reached the ceiling, every one crammed full of wonderful books. Rintaro Natsuki loved this space that his grandfather had created. He spent many happy hours there, reading whatever he liked. It was the perfect refuge for a boy who tended to be something of a recluse.
After the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. It seems he will have to close the shop. Then, a talking tabby cat called Tiger appears and asks Rintaro for help. The cat needs a book lover to join him on a mission. This odd couple will go on three magical adventures to save books from people who have imprisoned, mistreated and betrayed them. Finally, there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone . . .
Sosuke Natsukawa’s international bestseller, translated from Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai, is a story for those for whom books are so much more than words on paper.
My Review:
The Cat Who Saved the Books by Sosuke Natsukawa, the second book of this month from Japanese literature, left me with mixed emotions. It wasn’t that amazing, but it was an alright read. The concept was what I liked the most.
I’m fascinated by the way Japanese literature integrates magical realism into their storytelling. The majority of Japanese-translated books I read so far have magical realism as their central theme, as they strive to convey impactful messages through subtle narratives.
It’s about a high-school student named Rintaro Natsuki who is preparing to relocate with his aunt following his grandfather’s death. He makes the decision to quit school and remain at his grandfather’s bookshop – Natsuki books.
His life takes a different turn when an unexpected visitor arrives one day at the bookshop.
The plot of the story is straightforward, but I sensed a monotonous tone at times. Apart from its powerful message, the book is a one-time read that won’t leave a lasting impact on readers.
If you’re interested in magical realism and looking to delve into Japanese literature, this is a good starting point.
