Arikawa Hiro
Doubleday
2025 (2008)
227
Hardback
Contemporary Fiction
Xmas Gift
On the outward journey we are introduced to the emotional dilemmas of five characters as we puzzle out how they will unravel; on the return journey six months later, we watch them resolve:
- a young man meets the young woman, who always happens to borrow a library book just before he can take it out himself
- a woman in a white bridal dress boards looking inexplicably sad
- a university student leaves his hometown for the first time
- a girl prepares to leave her abusive boyfriend;
- an old lady discusses adopting a dog with her granddaughter.
As the seasons come around, so the Hankyu line trundles on carrying the lives and loves of its passengers ever forwards.
The Passengers on the Hankyu Line was a sweet work in the Japanese style of cosy, reflective and heartwarming fiction. As we travel back and forth between train stations we meet a cast of characters all of whom learn something and grow through their interactions with other passengers. It was a cute story and a quick and easy read, and if you are into this style of Japanese fiction, you will definitely enjoy it. I liked it, but, at the same time, I think I am growing a little tired of these types of stories. The first few I came across I found cute and fun, but I've read so many now they start to blur into one and nothing feels very original or captivating. My husband bought me this one as an Xmas gift, but I am not particularly leaning towards choosing these types of reads for myself at present unless the scenario behind one particularly captures my interest. The one thing that did spark my interest a little with this one was the setting around Takarazuka, but only because I like the Takarazuka Revue theatre troupe (who do get a brief mention in the story). In the end, I am giving this one 4 stars. It was a nice read, but not one I will every revisit.
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