Erica Sakurazawa: The Aromatic Bitters

by Erica Sakurazawa

The end of Sayumi and Hide's quiet vacation is interrupted by the arrival of a lost camper named Yusuke, who sparks Sayumi's interest.

Genres: Manga, Josei, Comics, Romance, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2004

Reviews

[Vex · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story felt rushed and shallow but not unrealistic. The art style is fun. I need to read more josei.

[Francine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book ends on a "to be continued", even though the cover doesn't indicate that there's supposed to be a sequel... 🤷‍♀️

Another book about cheating by Erica Sakurazawa. I didn't dislike the story or the characters, but I wasn't really into any of them either.
Although, I did like the second story, about the forty-year-old woman who's about to get a divorce. It was sad but hopeful, too.

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know how I feel about this. It was filled with people in messy relationships… but it was realistic? People do these kinds of things all the time. Is the grass really greener on the other side? And there’s a vol 2 but I cannot find it anywhere or read it online so I guess I won’t see if these new relationships work out for these women or if the other shoe will drop…?

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This doesn't really feel complete. Yet it is? Sayumi's story doesn't even really conclude in any satisfying way, it ends on what would otherwise be an excellent cliffhanger. At least with Hide's you can fill in an ending...sort of.

[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, but not for everyone.

[Kayano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nota: 2'50.

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book of 2026 and read it while I was on the plane. Ito na ang pinakarelaxing flight ko 🥹✈️ ps: hindi ko na pala mahanap yung next volume bahala na hahaha

[Jocilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say that the Aromatic Bitters was slightly more enjoyable than Sakurazawa's other josei romances. The characters were given more time and varied experiences (though they aren't necessarily more likable) and the plot felt like it started at a better point and ended at a better point than the Angel series. The art in Aromatic Bitters is slightly more refined and crisper, but there is something to be said for Sakurazawa's watercolor craziness.

[Miss Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of disappointing. Usually I don't mind Sakurazawa's open endings, they manage to feel like she's stopping at a good place even if things aren't resolved. This just felt really unfinished though. Was she planning to continue the story? 2.5 stars

[§ïå ☾ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a bunch of terrible people who should not be in relationships. It wasn't even interesting enough for me to hate it; I only felt indifference when it ended.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5