I love Japanese fiction. There's something about it that is so soothing. It's quirky and whimsical and run, but with real heart and a real passion behind him.

I love that, whilst each character has their own story within the book, they all link, which showed a sense of continuity and community. It shows that what we do may affect complete strangers.

I do have an issue with the characters though. Their interactions felt a bit forced and weren't particularly well developed so I didn't really feel anything for them sadly.

This book, for me, really looked at what good can come out of exploring, making friends, expanding your horizons, stepping out of your comfort zone.

It's not my favourite translated novel I've ever read. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, it's easy to read, quick to read, comforting and uplifting, but it's also a bit...not boring, that's too strong a word, but maybe a bit too one dimensional. I wanted a bit more to happen. I don't mind less plot if the characters are well developed, but both the characters and plot seem to float around without ever really sticking.

I will always gravitate towards translated fiction, and this did have a pleasant feeling to it but it isn't one that will stick with me unfortunately.

This book is the translation of a Japanese text, about a trainline and the passengers that use it. The reader sees lots of small snippets of lives, and realise how seemingly tiny interactions can make a difference to someone you meet in passing. It would have been nice to have some of the stories extended, but a pleasant enough quick read.

A beautiful and emotional read that follows different people whose lives briefly connect during a train ride in Japan. Each chapter focuses on a different passenger, giving us a glimpse into their everyday lives, their struggles, and relationships.
The way the chapters move from one character to the next is easy to follow. In the second half, we get to see what happens to each character when they take the return journey, which brings the story full circle.

Overall, this is a warm, thoughtful, and feel-good read seeped in Japanese culture, it’ll be one that stays with you.

I had all the emotions whilst reading this book! It such a wonderful and so beautifully written. I loved the way that it flowed and you saw little snippets of different lives and characters. The only thing that let it down for me was the way it was sent via netgalley it had a bunch of numbers separating each sentence but obviously that is not the way it will be printed in the book

The author cleverly created the plot of the story using the daily life of people on the train. Honestly, every character had something special—it was tough to pick just a few to highlight. A set of well connected feel good stories. This is my first read by Hiro Arikawa , I am looking forward to read her other books.

A sweet read with the different characters on a train whose paths cross.
Funny and interesting slice of life stories.

The Passengers on the Hankyu Line was such an enjoyable reading and it made me more aware of how on our commute we cross paths with all kinds of people and so when I people watch while waiting for my train I just think of this book and all its characters that just stay with you even after finishing the book.

Another heartwarming and powerful novel by Arikawa which leaves so much to take away. I loved the premise of the book, following different passengers each chapter, and their lives as they travel on the Hankyu Line between Takarazuka and Nishinomiya in Japan, but also connecting them all as spectators to each other and answering their life questions on relationships, friendships, family. I especially enjoyed the second half when they come back to each character after a period of time for their return journey back on the train. Being a translated fiction everything has to be taken with a pinch of salt in terms of ensuring what the writer is trying to get through is translated correctly but I always feel that it makes for a better story and there is a lot to be learnt in terms of Japanese culture which adds to the beauty of the story.

I cannot wait to read the next novel by Arikawa.

**4.5 stars**

A beautiful wholesome story!

The novel follows the lives of a number of characters, transitioning between each person’s path so smoothly. What I enjoyed most was seeing how one small conversation between characters had such an impact on their lives.

I did find that there were some phrases that didn’t quite translate well into English.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest reviews.

Beautifully written, wholesome, and easy to read, this book is an absolute delight.

The story follows the lives of a number of characters, from a grandmother and granddaughter to a women who's been cheated on, to college students navigating their first real relationship; their one common denominator being the train they all travel on. The book transitions from one character to another so naturally. It's fascinating, seeing how the characters cross paths with each other and seeing how one small off-handed comment from a well-meaning stranger can have such a huge impact on a person's life.

This was just such an enjoyable read and really got me out of the reading slump I was in.

This is such a beautiful read.

It looks at japanese culture and the people and opens your eyes to the beauty of humankind.

It is warm, funny and wonderful and I loved it

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.

This was a beautiful novel. I could see why it was so popular in Japanese culture. It is so interesting seeing how different lives cross paths and how they connect and intertwine. A beautiful look at human culture.