Japanese novel The Travelling Cat Chronicles to Transworld

Transworld has bought a Japanese novel about a cat, The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa.

Jane Lawson secured the deal at auction for world English language rights from Kodansha Ltd in Tokyo.

Narrated partly by the cat, and partly by the owner, the adult novel is described by Transworld as a "beautifully structured, witty novel with a tender heart and a wry eye".

Lawson said: "It will appeal to bookclub readers and beyond. I’m also thrilled to have a translator of Murakami, Philip Gabriel, on board to translate."

"I felt an immediate connection with this story," Lawson added.

The book has sold in Germany, Italy, China, Vietnam, Korea and Taiwan, and received offers from Spain, France and Poland. Helen Edwards, Transworld rights director, will handle US rights.

Transworld will publish in Doubleday hardback in Spring 2017.