Nestling at the bottom of a five-storey apartment block is the children’s playground, Hinode Park.

Key points:

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.

The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader’s heart.

The lives of five different people are intersected with those of friends and family as they come to realise their value and purpose, but this orange plastic hippo is where it all begins.

Can we change what has happened and rectify choices we may regret?

Michiko Aoyama is a Japanese novelist, and The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is her second novel – a wonderful book. There are five stories about people who live in “Advance Hill,” a five-story condominium. It is a new building, so these people have all moved in at approximately the same time.

A park that has been there for many years is next to the condominium building, where there are a few rides, including swings and a large orange plastic hippo. The hippo doesn’t move, but kids can just sit on it.

What defines friendship and hope and blessing?

As a Christian, this book makes me think about how we deal with the ups and downs of our lives and our own value in the midst of events and changes.

I am particularly drawn to Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says “come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. This is not a call to do more or be more, but to simply come to God to rest in Him. He loves us exactly the way we are, as He made us.

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I give this book 4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

We are created in His image, and that gives us worth, purpose, and strength. It is okay to come before God and ask for help. You are heard and valued. That brings true and deep hope. That is a true and everlasting blessing.

The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a delightful and beautiful story. I give it 4 ½ stars. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Review supplied with thanks to David Barker