TOKYO UENO STATION

Tokyo's history and socioeconomic issues are the subtext of this moving audiobook about a tormented spirit that roams the environs of Tokyo's Ueno train station. The ghost of Kazu recounts his life story and reveals the hopelessness and personal misfortune--including the loss of a beloved son--that led to his living on the streets like the nameless faces he now observes. Johnny Heller's dejected tone captures Kazu's disappointment and heartbreak. Heller uses a quavering voice to powerfully bring out the sense of disquiet and disconnection effectively conveyed in this English translation of the Japanese novella. He also evokes the poetic elements in the descriptive Tokyo scenes. Overall, Heller's powerful performance adds to the emotional and lyrical qualities of this poignant story. M.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]