Reviews Manga / A Brides Story

Historically Adorable!

I am usually very, very picky about the manga I read. Otoyomeatari caught my eye, however, with it's intricate detail. At first, reading the synopsis, I was iffy about the story, but I read the first two pages (with a total of 2 words spoken by Amir), and I was sold. This historical seinen manga appeals to the reader's aesthetic taste as well as presenting an interesting basis: A young woman married to a twelve year-old.

Amir, the young lady, while by all accounts should be a mary-sue, she is a far-cry from it. Her child-like qualities are endearing, and her tendency to walk around the house "scantily clad" (and that one time she ran outside in her underwear) adds to her amusing personality, as she rarely notices she's doing something wrong.

Karluk has a qualities most manga readers love to see in a character. He's easily flustered, and very mature for his age. However, he is the most adorable little cutie-patootie to ever exist. At least, in my opinion. He's cute in that cold way, and he has his soft moments (mostly around Amir).

We see Mr. Smith, who at first seems ridiculously out of place. What is a blond-haired guy with glasses and a dress shirt doing in the Orient? It is actually quite easy to figure out that he's a researcher, and he quickly becomes not as much of a joke character as he originally seems to be. Mr. Smith is one of this troper's favorites, as his character grows immensely during his own arc.

For some perspective on how much this manga has affected me, as I write this review, I picked up the first volume at my school library a few hours ago. I finish all of what is on the internet (almost to the end of Layla and Leyli's wedding), and am now discussing the feasibility of an Amir cosplay with my grandma.

Otoyomegatari is a manga you will not forget. To overlook such a beautiful work of art would be a shame and a lose on your part.