Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ishihara's first ongoing manga series illuminates the romantic limitations between social classes in the Taisho era of Japan (1912-1926). With her mother dead and her father always on business trips, Sayaka Yoshimura has no one but her chauffeur, Shinobu, for emotional support. Though they become increasingly close, they refuse to admit to their feelings. Ishihara capitalizes on the romantic tension throughout this first volume, balancing it with a series of incidents that create a rhythmic push and pull between Sayaka and Shinobu. Ishihara's panels and layout align with the pace and intensity of the scenes, with frenetic and chaotic panels helping capture emotionally tense moments. Throughout, Ishihara includes a short strip or single panel explaining her choices and thoughts about each chapter; these are often insightful but sometimes come too early, denying readers the opportunity to fully enjoy the story on its own. Two bonus stories are included: one a prologue of sorts, and the other unrelated to the main story other than that it replicates similar themes. Ages 13-up. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-Ishihara debuts her first American-released manga, the first of two volumes, drawing readers into the complicated world of Japan's social hierarchy at the turn of the 20th century, the Taisho era. Sayaka Yoshimura is an heiress, and unfortunately, as the old saying goes, money can't buy happiness. She strives to win her father's affection by pushing herself to excel academically and socially. Sayaka is at the top of her class, in a young ladies' finishing school, and no one can question her rank. However, jealousy pervades, and soon unfounded rumors start swirling that she has done the unthinkable and fallen in love with her chauffeur, Shinobu Narutaki. Aghast, Sayaka attempts to restore her good name. But when trouble befalls her and Narutaki breaks social decorum, there may be no recovery for her reputation. Refreshingly, the story is set in a period of Japanese history seldom visited in popular manga. The illustrations tend to focus mostly on facial and body expression, which is helpful for English language learners and those who may have a different reading style. Historical romance enthusiasts are sure to indulge themselves in this lighthearted tale that hints at more serious themes about social class. VERDICT Fans of Bisco Hatori's "Ouran High School Host Club" and Maki Minami's "Special A" are sure to enjoy this title.-Chantalle Uzan, New York Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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