This is, without contest, the most visually impressive manga I have ever read. The detail that does into every single panel is just mind-boggling. I think Mori must be superhuman to be able to draw this amazingly in the short time a manga artist has to finish a work.

So far, I haven't reached the point in the story where the plot takes over, although if the plot style Mori used in Emma is the one she usually uses, it'll pick up soon. The first few chapters are purely atmospheric. And they are beautifully so. Mori expertly portrays this world and draws us into it without ever relying on sensationalism or romanticism. It feels more like a period drama than a comic.

That said, this is a setting-driven story. The characters are of secondary importance. They all have very realistic, sympathetic personalities, but most aren't developed deeper than their designated "types." Amira herself is a Mary Sue through and through, but she's such a well-done one that I found myself actually loving her as Mary Sues are intended to be loved. Her prepubescent husband doesn't have much in the way of a personality at all yet, but his character design is so adorable that it would be hard to dislike him at all. They act more like brother and sister than husband and wife, but somehow Amira and her husband are the cutest couple I've ever come across in manga.

... Last updated on September 27th, 2009, 5:09pm

The artwork is beautiful!
I can't wait to see how Mori is going to develop this one! Both the story and the characters are very interesting and captivating. As with Mori's other work you find a heartwarming charm in both plot and characters. It got great potential! I have a feeling this will be a really interesting one..

... Last updated on July 19th, 2009, 11:34am

One of the best artwork out there in a manga. This is the first manga of Mori sensei that I read but she totally gained my respect. It takes *ages* just to draw a panel with such details. That also requires tons of research on the clothing, the architecture, etc...

Story-wise, this manga is a bit slow. But who cares, isn't it a norm for a slice-of-life to be slow?

... Last updated on July 18th, 2009, 11:23am

I love it so far. This is a different kind of manga set in an era which really fascinates me. I love how the relationship between the main characters develop. But one thing that still bugs me a little bit is the vast age difference, but its understandable when you consider the era that this manga takes place in. However the stunning artwork more than compensates for it. Apart from that I like the drama and the romance. The translation group is doing a great job and I hope they keep up the good work

... Last updated on May 10th, 2009, 11:15pm

this is good, it has its own style that makes it very unique and enjoyable, on the down side i cant seem to get over the giant age difference, and the female being older at that. Yes, it makes the story sound even more realistic but its a problem im gonna have to get used to since i plan to read more.

looking forward to more.

... Last updated on July 24th, 2009, 4:03pm

seriously don't just ignore this and think it's like any other 'boring' historical manga. It has the most gorgeous artwork, with a plot and tone that feels just magical. this is a manga that you can truly lose yourself in. It's just the beginning of what i hope will be a long, wonderful journey.

... Last updated on April 3rd, 2013, 8:40am

as expected from the mangaka of Emma. this new story looks very promising. a bit of realism tied to the manga is always nice. her art is meticulously detailed, making her work very unique and beautiful to look at. The pace is slow, which is fine but there is a draw back, since her chapters are released at a very slow pace. i wish she would work faster ^^. The story is engrossing. Just FYI, her works take a bit to draw you in but it is definitely worth reading

Only 3 chapters out, but wow, the art is just beautiful and detailed. The story has barely been unfolded, but i'm already captivated by the characters and settings. I cannot wait to read more of it.

WOW. I'll give 10/10 just for the art. 0.0


Seriously, this is sooo different from Emma. In emma her drawing style is still unattractive (the human's face) but now I think everything is beautiful. The backgrounds, the face, and THE CLOTHING. I would kill my own arm if I have to sketch and ink all those patterns... wow!


10/10 for the art! Since it's only 2 chapters scanlated so far, I can't give you a review about the storyline yet... sorry XD

The early 90's introduced the term 'Girl Power' courtesy of Spice Girls. In reality, the female race had always been powerful. Not just in physical strength but mental and emotional as well. In truth, females had always been on par with the males and this was translated well in Mori Kaoru's latest period work.

I applaud her bravery and effort in delving into the never before illustrated world when the Silk Road was the main transportation highway that bridged Asia and Europe. She had also made a complete 180 in portraying a young nomadic married woman, a kind of protagonist that no ordinary mangaka can/will never touch even with a 10-foot pole.

I love the details of her work, her art is as excellent as ever. Polished and mature, clean and precise. I especially was impressed with her impression of the native dresses, something that I have noticed that had been drawn with such care ever since 'Emma'.

About rabbit hunting...I'm disappointed by a person's review about Mori-sensei lacking sensibility and sensitivity. The protagonist was hunting the rabbits for food for her family, not for fun. In 'Emma' there was a mentioned fox hunting activity which was more barbaric in nature as it is a sport to hunt down foxes for the pure fun of it. Plus, the setting was 19th century, probably even before that and along the straits of the Silk Road known to be a harsh environment to live in. They were people who valued necessity over frivolity. For that, the rabbit hunting was completely justified.

A lovely story from Mori Kaoru, a worthy work preceeding the mammoth that was 'Emma'.