TOKYO UENO STATION (2020)

by Yu Miri

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

After death, Kazu, a homeless man finds his spirit lingers in Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's busiest stations. Speaking directly to us, he considers his life, his surroundings, and how he ended up 'sleeping rough'.

A little knowledge of Japan will enhance the experience of "Tokyo Ueno Station" although the conditions of homelessness exist all over the world. It's surprising how much seems familiar.

 

FIRST SENTENCE: "I used to think life was like a book: you turn the first page, and there’s the next, and as you go on turning page after page eventually you reach the last one."

Yu Miri, a Korean-Japanese author, has written a post-tsunami work in this relatively short novel, her most recent to be published in English. Her stream-of consciousness writing is gorgeous and haunting and sad. Morgan Giles' translation does not distract in any way.

Narrator Johnny Heller has a slightly raspy edge to his voice which allows the listener to immediately relate to his portrayal and be drawn into the story. His pronunciation of Japanese words and names seems impeccable.

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Release date: 06-23-20

Penguin Audio

Unabridged

Narrated by Johnny Heller

Translated by Morgan Giles 

View all my reviews