This is a short, gentle little book that is effectively a collection of short stories all linked by the hippo in the park. I really like the premise for the story, and the interweaving of the different stories works well. The hippo itself isn't magical, and I liked that the various different characters change their mindsets themselves really, the hippo just provides a focus for that impetus for change. I felt some of the stories worked better than others - or I liked and understood their characters more in some perhaps. This would have been a higher rating for me except I felt that it was written in quite a juvenile style. It isn't a children's story, but at the start especially that was how it felt, and it was just a little too simplistic in style and slightly jolted - perhaps because of the translation. But it was enjoyable and sweet, and I will be on the lookout for any hippo rides in parks next time I visit Japan!
With thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for my review copy.
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