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.