I Am the Subway by Kim Hyo-eun and translated by Deborah Smith is a story told from the point of view of a Seoul subway train, which carries on average 7.2 million people per day. With so many people boarding the subway and being transported each and every day, the subway has lots of intimate stories to tell, observations to share and wisdom to impart, all inspired by its passengers.

The story begins with the subway stating it has a monotonous daily routine as it travels the same route, at the same time, each and every day. The muted colour palette consisting of black, grey and bluish grey faceless figures adds to the dreariness of this mood and the sameness. However, as the subway pulls into the first station and the reader meets the first passenger, colour is introduced and the reader learns the story of this passenger, bringing life and vibrancy to the subway. The story continues introducing new and diverse characters at each station and a glimpse into their story, their past and present is revealed. The reader meets a business man who prioritises his young family; he is seen running with such intensity and purpose to the subway, he can’t afford to miss the subway as he plans to be the first to leave work to be reunited with his daughter again. A granny who has an affinity with the sea stemming from her childhood is the next passenger, she uses the subway to see her family and bring them fresh seafood to prepare a feast for them. A mother with three children boards next, then a man who repairs shoes, he can learn a lot by observing someone’s shoes, a student with a gruelling timetable then boards the subway, followed by a salesman and finally a young man seeking employment. As each of the passengers settle into their journey, they bring more colour to each page, more life and personality as individual and unique facial features are revealed to break the dreariness of the subways rigid journey. The muted monochromatic colour palette is replaced by one with vibrancy and light as each of the passengers stories unfold.

This book also brings to life the city of Seoul as glimpses into the city, such as streetscape scenes and the architecture of the stations are included and elevated with interactions between people. The personification of the subway is such a fascinating way to explore the idea that stories and connections exist everywhere as well as the beauty of richness in diversity. It would be an engaging activity for children to write about another country, city, or perhaps another time from the point of view of a form of transport.

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