New novel: “The cat who saved the books”

“The Cat Who Saved Books” by Sosuke Natsukawa, translated by Louise Heal Kawai, was published by HarperCollins.

Grandfather used to say it all the time: books have tremendous power. But what is this power really?

Natsuki Books was a tiny second-hand bookstore on the outskirts of town. Inside, towering shelves reached to the ceiling, each filled with marvelous books. Rintaro Natsuki loved this space that his grandfather had created. He spent many happy hours there, reading what he liked. It was the perfect hideaway for a boy who tended to be a little reclusive.

After the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. Looks like he’ll have to close the shop. Then, a talking tabby called Tiger appears and asks Rintaro for help. The cat needs a book lover to join him on a mission.

This strange couple will go on three magical adventures to save books from people who have imprisoned, abused and betrayed them. Finally, there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone…

“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a heartwarming story about finding courage, caring for others – and the enormous power of books. Natsukawa’s international bestseller is a story for those for whom books are more than words on paper.

Natsukawa is a doctor in Nagano. His first book, “Kamisama no Karute” (God’s Medical Records), won the Shogakukan Fiction Prize and received second place at the Japan Bookseller Awards. It sold over 1.5 million copies and was adapted into a film in Japan.

“Enchanting.” — Observer

“A charming and heartwarming story about the power of books.” — Manx Independent

“A charming mystery filled with books.” — Life in Cumbria

“Cats, Books, Young Love and Adventure: Catnip for a Variety of Readers!” — Kirkus Reviews