So happy i can add this wonderful manga to my bookshelf that it's out in English. Amazing refreshing story! As for the female lead, she is not annoying at all. I'm always wanting more after I finished reading ch. Looking forward to the rest of the story. The art and detail and cultureal learning it amazing.

... Last updated on January 19th, 2016, 6:14am

The art is detailed on every level. The plot is intriguing. The characters interaction is so well done. The age gap yet loving relationship between the female lead and her husband is one of the most interesting themes of the manga.

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 art is awe-inspiring. The attention to detail - next to none. There's not enough in terms of story to make a judge on whether this one is a winner or not, but I have a good feeling after reading the first chapter.

And to the poster below me: I understand that some people are opposed to the killing of and cruelty to animals, but you must put the girl's actions into the context of the story and background. This is the 19th/18th Century and it's a story about farmers/nomads - I highly doubt that during that time period there was any concept of animal rights and protection, especially in regards to a group of people removed from civilisation who depend on hunting to survive.

Anyway, I personally didn't have a problem with the rabbit hunting expedition. It's what people at that time and in that place did day to day.

... Last updated on January 4th, 2009, 4:40am

I've just read through the first eight chapters, and I gotta say... that was awesome. I mean, really really. Mori kaoru really does make good manga--both the story and the art are breathtaking. At some points, it actually reminded me of Vinland Saga, though Otoyomegatari is milder on the violence, and has romantic elements.

This series is really quite excellent. It is clear that the subject matter has been well researched by the mangaka.

The story and the characters are all very well conceived. I look forward to seeing how the young husband grows.

Now if only the releases came out faster!

i kept on seeing this recommended everywhere,and i was turned off by the description a bit, but i finally gave in and i am so happy i did! this has easily made it into my top ten. the art is GORGEOUS every single detail is just incredible and i love how it shows a different country and culture. normally you'd think a manga wouldn't be good for that but it does it extremely well. and i dont enjoy younger older relationships like this usually, but you can feel their love for each other, it isn't in your face cause they realize one of them is young but you can see it growing and it is so sweet at times, even when there isn't any dialogue, it just makes you smile at how sweet it is. and it doesn't just go into one relationship exclusively, it branches off into other full-fledged stories, but they all connect somehow through the characters. and to be honest my favorite character is the researcher, he makes me laugh almost every time he's in a panel and im so happy he got his own story.it is an amazing slice-of-life romance that takes place in a really uncommon setting, and if you haven't read it yet, do it now.

The art in this manga is simply superb, the story moves at a relaxed pace and gives you the time to truly enjoy it. The leads from the first chapters are very innocent and sweet. I don't get why some people complain about the girl's character, I completely agree with Delorita, not everyone has to be a bitch to be happy. And one of the things that should be kept in mind, beside the more clearcut gender roles in these cultures, is that despite their age differences they're equally inexperienced at relationships and the fact that she's much older is likely to only make Amir more insecure.

A very good slice of life manga: I can definitely recommend it

... Last updated on June 22nd, 2012, 8:13am

tbh it took sometime before i pick this up, you see I've been disappointed in this historical manga genre so many times that it pissed me of to no end

but dang this is one superb and beautiful manga,
beautiful realistic art (probably the best I've seen in a manga so far), deep and well made story and characters..i honestly see no reason for any type of person to not like this piece...really if you have some kinda doubt just ignore it and read it, it truly deserves the high score

This series depicts a peaceful Mongol or Kazakh (Central Asian, anyway) village where Amira and Karluk have just been wed, despite an eight year difference in age.

This manga is just breathtakingly beautiful!!! The clothing and architecture is really great. (check out those earrings!)

... Last updated on February 11th, 2010, 11:29am