A review by gabriel_sakoda
Night on the Galactic Railroad & Other Stories from Ihatov by Kenji Miyazawa

emotional reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Although about kids, this book is so humorless and dry that I almost dropped it despite the fact that it is so short. The substantive narrative is there. But why do the kids talk like philosophers-in-training? I found its lack of whimsy interfered with my ability to immerse myself into the dream. That begin said, Giovanni's out of body encounter with death was still profound. His confusion and vague sadness regarding death echoes the confusion that kids will face and by situating it within the context of a dream train helps to rationalize grief. The politeness in tone adds to the atmosphere a serenity that makes it worth experiencing for its solemnity and respect for vulnerability.