“A mother is an imperfect woman.” So thinks Yukiko Kisaragi, the central hub around which the collection of stories in All My Darling Daughters revolves. As the story begins, Yukiko’s mother, Mari, has just undergone a successful cancer operation and decides that, from now on, she’s going to live her life the way she wants. To Yukiko’s dismay, this involves getting remarried … [Read more...] about All My Darling Daughters by Fumi Yoshinaga: A
Josei
Butterflies, Flowers 1 by Yuki Yoshihara: B+
The Kuze family used to be rich, with a retinue of servants ready to cater to their every whim. The daughter of the family, Choko, grew up experiencing the tender care of the chauffeur’s son, whom she called Cha-chan. Alas, after her father’s investments all tanked in an economic downturn, the family was forced to dismiss their household staff and open a soba … [Read more...] about Butterflies, Flowers 1 by Yuki Yoshihara: B+
Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
After an excellent seventh volume focusing primarily on Takemoto and his journey of self-discovery, Chica Umino replicates the feat with another fantastic installment, this one centering on Yamada and the choice she faces: continue to torture herself by working alongside the long-time object of her affections, Mayama, and the woman he loves or accept the chance to move on … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
Honey and Clover 7 by Chica Umino: A
From the back cover: Takemoto's journey across Japan continues, and though he's sleeping in empty lots and subsisting on convenience store food, he seems to be getting closer to understanding what made him ride away from school and his friends. But with his money running out and his bike on its last legs, will he have to give up on his quest before he finds what he's looking … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 7 by Chica Umino: A
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga: A
From the back cover: In Edo Period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country's men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen by seventy-five percent. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected. And … [Read more...] about Ōoku: The Inner Chambers 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga: A