Book Review: The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

The Cat Who Saved Books. Sosuke Natsukawa, Louise Heal Kawai (translator). HarperVia (2021). 198 pages. Genre: Fiction, Fantasy.

First Lines: "First things first, Grandpa's gone. The tale that follows is pretty outrageous, but he knows that one fact is absolutely real."

Summary:  Rintaro Natsuki's world has been turned upside down.  His grandpa has recently passed away leaving him with a book store.  However, an aunt he has never met is willing to take custody of him which means he will have to close the book store. But Rintaro is hesitant to leave the store, it is his safe haven.  

A few days after his grandfather's death, a talking cat shows up at the book store claiming that he needs Rintaro's help to save books.  It is an odd request, but Rintaro loves books and if books need help, he won't say no.  Over the next several days the cat leads him on three quests to save books from abusive and neglectful owners.  The final quest is the most challenging of all - if Rintaro fails, he will be stuck in the labyrinth forever.

My thoughts:  While I don't often read fantasy, I do like books about books.  When I first heard the premise of this one, I was intrigued.  I tend to like Japanese writers, so I decided to give it a try.  I am so glad I did.

I liked Rintaro immediately.  He is a high school student who has just lost his grandfather.  What I liked most about him is that he loves books.  As well as loving to read, he is also an introvert who finds solace in books.  I could relate to him.  He doesn't think anybody cares about him now that his grandfather is dead.  He is wrong.  There are classmates from school that stop by the book store to bring him homework and check on him.  There are other classmates who ask about him.  But, he tends to keep to himself and doesn't realize that he matters to others.

I also really liked Rintaro's grandfather.  Throughout the story, Rintaro thinks back on things his grandfather did and said.  He was a man who worked hard, lived a meaningful life, loved books and loved connecting others with books. 

There are lots of books mentioned, especially Western literature.  This was a little surprising to me.  But as Rintaro's grandfather said, 

"'There are timeless stories, powerful enough to have survived through the ages.  Read lots of books like these - they'll be like friends to you.  They'll inspire and support you.'"

The scenarios that Rintaro and the cat had to save books from were interesting and pointed out problems with books and reading that we face as modern people.  However, the fourth challenge fell a bit flat for me.  It seemed to drag on more than necessary.

There are two notes at the end of the book - one from the translator and one from the illustrator.  They were both interesting to read.  I always enjoy when authors include notes, it gives further depth to the story. 

This was a quick, entertaining read.  If you enjoy fantasy, like books about books or enjoy Japanese literature, give this one a try.

Quotes:

"'It's not true that the more you read, the more you see of the world.  No matter how much knowledge you cram into your head, unless you think with your own mind, walk with your own feet, the knowledge you acquire will never be anything more than empty or borrowed.'"

"'What was my grandpa trying to accomplish?' Rintaro asked.  The old man smiled. 'Nothing exceptional.  He just tried to remind people of the obvious.  Not to tell lies.  Never bully someone weaker than themselves.  To help out those in need...' Rintaro looked confused.  The old man grimaced slightly. 'Because the obvious is no longer obvious in today's world.'"

The Japanese Literature Challenge can be found at Dolce Bellezza.