The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park

A Novel

By: Michiko Aoyama

Narrated by: Naruto Komatsu, Kenichiro Thomson, Susan Momoko Hingley, Yuriri Naka, Ami Okumura Jones

The enchanting new novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, about five strangers who each seek comfort from a healing hippo ride.

Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park. If you look to the side, standing on stubby legs, is a hippo. Its upturned eyes give it a teary look, yet for decades, its quiet power has sustained the hearts of one community. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery.

Meet the apartment residents who each find their way to Kabahiko:

• Kanato, who hopes in vain to recover the stellar marks he once scored;
• Sawa, a new mother with no friends, wishes to be able to communicate as she once did when she was an award-winning retail assistant;
• Chiharu, off work as a wedding-planner, longs to listen better for the happiness of others;
• Yuya avoids sports day with a fake injury, only to find he really is in pain;
• Kazuhiko, despite his fading eyes, seeks to see life's everyday wonder.

A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama's beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader's heart as the eclectic cast of characters find healing in their lives—though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.

Slow life lessons about love and hope in community

A slow-paced quartet of stories relating to an old park hippo that locals claim has healing powers.

Each story is also connected by an elder woman who is a lifelong friend in the community who shares love and compassionate advice with young and old who cross her path.

A lovely read, especially for young adults and those who could use a reminder of the importance of one’s community connections.

Subtle

If I could write, I would write like this. In my opinion, there was not one word out of place.