This is a very quiet story that creeps up on you. It begins with the pleasant tale of a cat becoming befriended by a young Japanese man, Satoru, who names the cat Nana for his crooked tale. The cat resembles a beloved cat from his childhood, and the two quickly become best friends. The story is told from both the human and the feline points of view, with the cat speaking as the more experienced of the two, having survived as a stray for so long. But something changes in Satoru's life, and, as he had with his first cat as a child, he has to find a new home for his beloved Nana, and the two of them set out on a journey through Japan and his family and friends in search of the perfect new home. Thus we have multiple stories of his childhood friendships, and learn more about Satoru through the eyes of his friends and his experiences. And always Nana is there, nudging events in the direction he knows they should go. By the end, the story is no longer just pleasant, but quite rich and moving. Recommended.
Note: no cats were harmed in the course of this story. You know what I'm saying.

Anyone who has loved or been loved by an animal will adore this story. It’s about a man’s final journeys with his beloved cat but so much more. It’s about friendship and love and loss. It’s about loyalty and kindness. The storytelling was beautiful. I loved the changing Japanese seasons and locations incorporated into the story. Satoru, Nana and their friends will stay with me for a long time. Im stingy with 5 star ratings but this book earned it ❤️