Being a Turk myself, this whole manga felt something that came out of an Anatolian nomadic tribe documentary. The motifs on the carpets, the jewelry, the clothes, you can find those exact ones still widely used throughout the region in rural areas. The attention to details is through and through in both drawings and how many Turkic people still live in Middle Asia steppes. It's a warm story about everyday life, may be compared to Vinland Saga's current farm arc if someone needs an example.

My sincere respects to Kaoru Mori for spending this much effort to prepare a correct portrayal of those people of that time. It's beautiful and it's true. It's also an ultra rare opportunity to be introduced to this rich, mostly unknown culture.

As for the age difference, I think people are bothered only because the male is still a minor by today's norms. People married and still do in certain regions of the world as early as 14-15, we still have folk songs from old times about such couples and how it was considered purely normal. If someone could take care of their living and fulfill roles in a family, they were eligible for marriage. It's pretty much a cultural and historical difference between the old times and today, I think people should be able to accept that much when reading about a foreign land 150 years ago.

As for deeming rabbit hunting cruel.. Well, I guess they didn't have supermarkets back then which had meat chopped and clean so you can dump the cruelty on someone else with a credit card.

... Last updated on February 5th, 2011, 2:21am

I was a little hesitant at first, and always put it off. It's true that the art is stunning and the author has really done her research, but it was the story that I liked. Otoyomegatari has a very simple, slice of life story, simple romances, no wangst. It makes for a very relaxing read, and the characters really grow on you. If you liked stories like Dear Mine, you would like this.

Wow, ancient huh?. This is around the same time frame when Emma and Shirley lived. If the researcher guy ever goes home in one piece, he'll probably meet one of those two characters. And some people don't get that 13/15 is like an independent adult for the people with that, or similar, customs(then and now). Would you be as surprised, if he was 18 and she was 26?
I am rather thankful, to the author, for not glorifying(too much) the harsh living conditions and environment of that time. Plus she added some things for cultural contrast(the glasses, single shot rifle etc) and chose an interesting time for the backdrop, just like she did with "Emma".

Anyway. This is NOT a one person super hero action kind of manga. It has some romance and adventure, but it's mostly a calm shoujo manga with occasional exciting situations.

Very beautiful, well-drawn with high attention to detail, which is clear from the very first breathtaking panel in the intricate patterns of textiles, ornaments, and clothing. Some panels, can be works of art on their own.

True to its "slice of life" and "historical" label, Otoyome-gatari is basically about the day-to-day lives of these people in a village of some ancient middle-eastern territory. I'm not well-versed in the history of that time, but as far as I can tell, it's not based on a major historical conflict. I mean, the historical aspect doesn't add anything interesting besides the clothing, textile, architecture, etc. nothing to the plot. They're hunting rabbits and that's the plot of an entire chapter. And nothing else happens. It's as interesting as buying a whopper from Burger King. And there's a spot where there's some conflict, but you're just kind of like "are you serious?" and it feels really cardboard-y.

I was hoping for character and story, but it's lacking. It's dull. The main female character is portrayed as a one-dimensional, perfect, slightly vapid, being. The romance is between a 20 year old woman and a 12 year old boy who hasn't even gone through puberty, which I didn't even realize until like a couple chapters in, because she alternates between acting like she's 12 herself or his mother. It's just so boring. I read up to Ch.10, then got too bored to continue.

It's a good series to appreciate the art, or learn how to draw, and maybe get a sense for that place and time period, but not for entertainment. Should take a look, but don't expect anything out of the story. Once you read the first chapter or so, you've read the whole thing.

Also, just a note, some nudity, but nothing sexual.

... Last updated on December 22nd, 2010, 9:41pm

The art is simply beautiful. A real talent. The story is unique in that it gives us a glimpse into the richness of a different culture. The dialogue and narration are also well done (great job on the translating!). Nice transitions from panel to panel. I believe the backdrop occurs during the Crimean War in the 1850s, as the last chapter I read mentioned conflict between the British and the Russians. The series has only just gotten started, but I'm really interested in seeing where its going.

If you are a shonen junkie and all you know are high action series like Bleach or Dragon Ball with its numerous power-ups then this series is probably not for you. I like some Shonen too, but this is not one of those series. If you don't mind a slower pace and a historical setting then definitely give this series a try.

Though it can be exciting and dramatic when it wants to be, Otoyomegatari mostly succeeds because of it's mono no aware technique which Kaoru Mori is a master at, plus it's well written and realistic characters. The art is crazy detailed and always beautiful and distinctive. It's a masterpiece.
The comedy and drama are subdued and while it does seem slice of life it has a great plot as well and all in all is a fantastic manga you must read. Being up to date in
scanlations would probably show you that it's not boring and slowpaced, or meh. It's quite outstanding.

... Last updated on December 5th, 2010, 8:01pm

I love this story. Kaoru Mori most be a true autentical genius, 'cuz her art and plots are very interesting. When I saw a time ago how she draw an Amira ridding sketch I told myself "that is when i saw and art masterpiece". I recomend very much this.

I think the genre, "historical" usually turns people away. Don't, give it a try, because I was pleasantly surprised. Has some cool interesting facts, but above all the story is about character interactions and amazing art.

The art is beautiful i have to give credit for that, but for the rest it reads like a history book and is rather boring overall, and yeah i know its slice of life but still it could have been interesting

I love this series. Hoping the scan group keeps working on it
I read Emma and this series. MORI Kaoru's works give me a lot of warm, silent and gentle feelings!