A book to take on your travels: The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arakawa

The cover:

I found the cover of this book to be so inviting that I couldn’t wait to see what was inside.

What it’s about:

Between the two beautiful towns in a stunning mountainous area of Japan rattles the Hankyu Line train. Climb aboard, where THE PASSENGERS ON THE HANKYU LINE takes readers on a journey alongside the unlikeliest but surprisingly relatable group of passengers. Among them is a pair who find themselves in a one-sided rivalry, a melancholy woman dressed in white, a love-smitten student, a toxic couple, two lonely university students, and an old lady traveling with her granddaughter, who insists that they adopt a dog (preferably a dachshund.)

Already a bestseller and beloved classic in Japan, THE PASSENGERS ON THE HANKYU LINE features the authentic and warm storytelling Arikawa is known for and will leave readers feeling that even in the most mundane circumstances, situations, and locations, there is magic in life that’s worth living. 

Perfect for readers of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida.

The book is by the author of The Travelling Cat Chronicles

My thoughts:

Readers will want to meet the eleven passengers who are traveling on this train. Each has a story and perhaps a decision to make. Will they help one another? Will they help themselves? Find out on two of their commutes.

I have not yet read this title but plan to start it now. I have been saving it to savor.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title.

From the publisher:

ALSO, if you’d like, we’ve made a fun “find out where the Hankyu Line and its passengers are taking you today!” quiz. Check it out here:  https://x5h4gde8rss.typeform.com/to/uOkif04k

Editorial Review:

From Kirkus Reviews:

A gentle intertwining of small vignettes that evoke smiles in the characters—and the reader.

Pub Date: 03 June 2025

ISBN: 9798217187188

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Berkley