The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa, translated by Louise Heal Kaesong

Published by Picador 2021

This month you’ll note there’s a theme to my reading and reviewing: cats.

Rintaro’s Grandpa has died and for Rintaro, an ordinary, quiet high school student, the world is about to change. Gone are the quiet, predictable mornings in the refuge that is Natsuki Books. Outside its door is a world of imprisoned and mistreated books. A world where books are merely for show or to demonstrate wealth.

This beautifully crafted story is about finding the strength to fight for the things that matter, about self discovery and friendship. As Grandpa used to say “Books have tremendous power”, but it’s up to Rintaro and a rather large ginger feline (a quite ordinary cat apart from the fact he can talk) to use that power.

This is a book about the importance of kindness, compassion and truth. Read it slowly and savour every word. It’s worth it. Truly wonderful.