The Cat Who Saved the Library

The Cat Who Saved the Library - Sosuke Natsukawa

Description

The must-have sequel to Sosuke Natsukawa's bestselling The Cat Who Saved Books – an uplifting tale from Japan about a talking cat, a book-loving girl and the power of books to make a difference in the world.

Nanami sees nothing wrong with a library and cat combination. But a talking cat is a whole other story.

Nanami Kosaki loves reading. The local library is a home from home and books have become her best friends. When Nanami notices books disappearing from the library shelves, she’s particularly curious about a suspicious man in a grey suit whose furtive behaviour doesn’t feel right. Should she follow him to see what he’s up to?

When a talking tabby cat called Tiger appears to warn her about how dangerous that would be, together they’re brave enough to follow the frightening trail to find out where all the books have gone. Will Nanami and Tiger overcome the challenges of the adventure ahead?

Warm, wonderful and wise, The Cat Who Saved the Library is also a powerful lesson never to underestimate the value of great literature, and a reminder always to think for ourselves, no matter what our charismatic leaders might say.

Translated from Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai

Review

A follow up to The Cat Who Saved Books. It is a standalone book, so you can read it and enjoy, even if you didn't read the previous book.

Nanami realises that books are disappearing from her local library, but she seems to be the only one that notices. As of course it is a library and books will be on loan, but she knows they have been gone for much longer. Then she notices a grey man who is always hanging about in the library racks. Time for the cat to appear and help her save the books.

I was reminded of Fahrenheit 451, albeit fleetingly, as the story traces Nanami on a mission to save the books from another world to which they are being taken. It also charts her discoveries about life and people and her own seeming fragility.

Apart from the cat there is also another character from the first book that appears which was a nice touch. Overall I am not sure I enjoyed it as much as the first book. There was a lot of detail about the other world and it certainly stretched the imagination.

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

Comments

No One Would Do What The Lamberts Have Done - Sophie Hannah

Description The twistiest murder mystery you are ever likely to read? A story about a family that does the unthinkable in order to save the life of one of its beloved members? Both? Or something else altogether? You'll have to read until the very last word in order to find out… You think it will never happen to you: the ring of the bell, the policeman on the doorstep. What he says traps you in a nightmare that starts with the words, 'I'm afraid…' Sally Lambert is also afraid, and desperate enough to consider the unthinkable. Is it really, definitely, impossible to escape from this horror? Maybe not. There's always something you can do, right? Of course, no one would ever do this particular something – except the Lamberts, who might have to. No one has ever gone this far. Until Sally decides that the Lamberts will… 'An incident involving a dog in a small village escalates to an all-out conflict, turning neighbour against neighbour, and culminating in murder. Bu...

The Dilemmas of Work Women - Fumio Yamamoto

Description The classic Japanese bestseller published in English for the very first time - a darkly funny and relatable book portraying the lives of five women 'Witty, wise and thought-provoking' Cecelia Ahern 'Crackles and pops with humour, empathy and intelligence' Lisa Owens, author of Not Working 'So brilliantly written that I kept trying to memorise sentences in order to repeat them to people later' Roxy Dunn, author of As Young as This Izumi needs to get a job. Haruka needs to stop talking about how she once had cancer. Katō needs to get through a shift at the convenience store without being harassed. Mito needs to break up with her boyfriend - or marry him. Sumie just needs somewhere to live. In this classic Japanese bestseller, published in English twenty-five years after it took Japan by storm, the lives of five ordinary women are depicted with irresistible humour and searing emotional insight. Review A collection of short ...

A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder - Louise Candlish

Description A gripping new thriller from the author of Our House, packed full of stunning twists! ‘Louise Candlish has a gift for examining hotly topical issues with intelligence, wit, and a keen eye for observational detail. A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder is a smartly constructed psychological thriller with a wicked twist in the tale. Flawless!’ Lucy Clarke ‘A terrific story, witty, engaging and a total page-turner.’ Liz Nugent 'A whip-smart, razor-sharp domestic thriller… a fiendishly twisty plot. Gwen is my new obsession!' Isabelle Broom ‘A brilliant mess-with-your-mind slow burn thriller. Louise is a master manipulator and this is not to be missed’ Nikki Smith 'Louise Candlish excels at issue-led plots. A clever “through the keyhole” take on neighbours.' Jane Corry 'Meticulously plotted with twists and turns aplenty. It's a truly addictive read.' Hannah Beckerman Her secrets will be the death of you. It’s rare for a r...

BOOKSIMO

Search This Blog