THE PASSENGERS ON THE HANKYU LINE

Natsumi Kuroda's narration brings a gentle steadiness to this collection of short stories set aboard a train on Japan's Hankyu Line. As the works unfold, Kuroda is a grounding presence, providing space for the emotions of the myriad passengers. With characters ranging from a bride dressed for her wedding day to a grandmother and her granddaughter, the stories are a mix-and-match of everyday life with a touch of melancholy. Kuroda's delivery is calm and consistent, mirroring the rhythm of the train and the introspective pace of the characters' lives. Her tone carries a warmth that complements the novel's themes of connection, change, and everyday grace. Moments of humor, loss, and hope are handled with care, making the transitions between characters and timelines feel seamless. M.R. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2025]