乙嫁語り 13 [Otoyomegatari 13]

乙嫁語り [Otoyomegatari] #13

by Kaoru Mori

中央アジアを舞台に、さまざまな結婚模様を描き連ねていく『乙嫁語り』。カメラを手に、旅を続けるスミスたち。やがてたどり着いたのは、アラル海周辺の漁村。そこは褐色の双子乙嫁、ライラとレイリが暮らす村であった！懐かしき再会もつかの間、新婚ほやほやの双子によるおもてなしの宴が始まる！

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2021

About the author

Kaoru Mori (森 薫) is a Japanese manga author. Her stories tend to be intricately drawn female lead historical dramas set in exotic locations like Britain and along the silk road. Her series include Emma (2002-2008), Shirley (2003-present) and the best known A Bride's Tale (2008-present).

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 13 in this epic historical fiction manga series by Kaoru Mori, set on the nineteenth century Silk Road. I don’t always give each volume 5 stars, but it is a 5 star series, a classic, with a master at work who likes to draw period-accurate clothing, animals, scenery, cultural practices. Just gorgeous work. This one begins with intricate woodcarving. This volume is set in a village on the Aral Sea. Henry Smith, British photographer/ethnographer arrives with his entourage, and they meet twins Laila and Leily, who are part of a group preparing a feast for their guests. I was reminded of Babette’s Feast--you want to recreate the feast yourself.

And some who have lived on the plains all their lives get the opportunity to swim in the sea! Delirious joy to those who have had precious little water to live on. Then there are dangerous encounters with bandits, so Mori proves she can create action sequences with the best.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cette série est une perle rare, chaque page une œuvre d'art. Ce tome avait pas mal d'action, beaucoup de personnages et de jolis moments 💛

[Anniken Haga · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, the art in this comic is amazing! Even if it is in black and white, I swear I could see the colors of the onions on one page, or the gold on another. And even with so many characters, it's easy to tell them apart from both looks and bearings. This is, honestly, something I'm missing in a lot of modern western comics, and it was so refreshing seeing it again!

As to the story, we follow Smith and his crew as they try to return to Amir and her family for photographs, but the region is in major unrest because of Russian invasions - feels very fitting to current events, which was strange to realize - but we also get to see old friends - like the twins - and a few glimpses of Amir and her family as well, in shorter pieces that just show their everyday life.

I am very much considering doing a reread of this series soon, because it's so refreshing and calming to read, even with the events going on.

I don't really have a reason not to give this book 5 stars, but I usually reserve those 5 stars for books that makes me physically emotional or touches me in some other way. This book is great, but it didn't quite do that.

[Yoda Bor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce ne sera sans doute pas une surprise pour ceux qui ont l’habitude de lire mes billets sur cette série, mais je ne partais pas super enthousiaste pour ce nouveau tome puisque, dans le suite logique du voyage de Smith, on retourne cette fois dans le village des jumelles.
Leur mariage n’a pas du tout changé leur charactère et elles sont toujours autant fatigantes, pleines d’énergie face à leurs maris qui ont bien du courage, même si dans le fond ils sont parfaitement assortis.

Mine de rien, j’ai tout de mieux mieux apprécié ce retour que la précédente découverte du village, la présence de Talas et sa découverte de la mer y étant peut-être pour quelque chose. C’est d’ailleurs un très beau passage, plein de joie et d’émerveillement, et dans l’ensemble j’ai été ravie de revoir ce village dans lequel je trouve qu’il souffle un petit vent de liberté et c’est assez cruel de savoir que désormais Muynak se trouve si loin de la Mer d’Aral en raison de son assèchement.

Il vaut mieux profiter de cet instant, parce que la suite du voyage va être beaucoup moins drôle, l’Asie centrale étant désormais traversée par des incursions russes.
Moi qui me faisait une joie de voir Smith revenir chez Amir et Karluk, j’ai été très déçue qu’il n’y parvienne pas mais j’étais déjà fort contente que tout le monde se tire sans trop d’encombres des escarmouches avec les Russes et j’aime la façon dont Kaoru Mori réussit à intégrer l’Histoire au milieu de son scénario.

Je suis un petit peu triste d’avoir dit adieu à Ali et Nikolovski, et je suis curieuse de voir ce vers quoi le récit va maintenant pouvoir se tourner.
Le retour de Smith en Angleterre, avec une fiancée dans les bras, risque d’être épique mais j’ai aussi envie de retourner voir mes petits mariés qu’on n’a plus vu depuis bien longtemps maintenant. Et dans mes prévisions les plus folles, je me dis qu’on pourrait, pourquoi pas, assister au mariage de Pariya, son trousseau ayant du bien avancer.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twins are my least favourite people followed in this series but after the usual chaos there was actually really nice chapter with them and Talas. Would've wanted more of Talas since she was basically there the whole time but didn't get that many proper scenes. Because she might be my favourite at this point. She's so sweet but has a lot of quiet strength and curiosity.
There was a surprising bit of action this time too, go burly guard man.

Talas at the end with Chubar. ;__; ♥

Everything looks amazing, of course. Just wow.

[melhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Leily and Laila are back in this volume! Dr. Smith is back and visiting the twins, who are eager to host guests to show demonstrate that they are now responsible adults. I love their energy and enthusiasm, which made the first half of the volume a lot of fun to read.

The second half of the volume has a more serious tone - Dr. Smith and his traveling companions run into danger as they enter what is essentially a war zone. There's quite a bit of action and excitement, and we get to see what a capable bodyguard Mr. Nikolovsky is. The pacing of the action sequences was fantastic - Kaoru Mori truly is a talented mangaka.

With the way the volume ended, I suspect this series is coming close to an end. The next volume will probably be the last (or second last) book.

[Snail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top-notch production. Every panel is a work of art. My eyes actually get used to it and I begin reading quickly at some point, which seems like a crime. I can understand why they’re republishing her work in expensive large print in English. Wish I could afford it! All the better to ogle!

I swear I read something somewhere where manga artists reportedly complained “it’s too hard to draw people with darker skin! It takes too long! Tone is too expensive!” as an excuse (which got my eyes rolling like mad)… well, Mori Kaoru clearly doesn’t have any of those problems! And I’m glad of it.

Made me smile when I saw Irie Aki appear in the afterword!

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnifique fresque de Kaoru Mori qui apporte un soin méticuleux au dessin, avec ses nombreux détails, sa mise en lumière des moeurs et de l'artisanat de l'époque (les vêtements, la sculpture sur bois...), ses personnages parfaitement expressifs, ses paysages allant des lieux sauvages aux habitations typiques... On comprend toujours autant pourquoi le rythme de parution de la série reste moins rapide que d'autres oeuvres, tant l'artiste s'applique dans le moindre détail afin de nous offrir un régal pour les yeux à chaque page.
J’ai hâte qu’elle tome 14 paraisse.

[Jordan MacKinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh !! I love the twins !! They are so ridiculous!! Also I am so sad that Mr. Smith is not going to be able see Amir again! :( I hope we get to see his life in England! You can certainly feel that this series may or may not be wrapping up soon and that is a bitter sweet feeling as I have felt so connected to these characters and watching them grow!

[Tracy]

This was an enjoyable volume. I love Talas and was happy she got some feature moments in this volume. The twins are still mildly annoying but a little endearing in their earnest enthusiasm. I liked a bit more attention given to Ali and the bodyguard Mr. Nikolovski, who reveals a soft spot for kids.

[Klinton Saha · Rating 4 out of 5]

স্মিথ যাত্রাপথে লাইলি ও লায়লাদের বাড়িতে আতিথ্য গ্রহণ করে। তাদেরকে আতিথ্য সেবা দিতে চঞ্চল এই দুই বোন ব্যতিব্যস্ত। এখান থেকে স্মিথ কার্লুকদের বাড়িতে যেতে চেয়েছিলেন কিন্তু যাত্রাপথে ডাকাতদলের হাতে পড়ে ও রাশান সৈন্যদের ভয়ে ইংল্যান্ডের পথে রওনা হন।

[Eressea · Rating 4 out of 5]

俄羅斯開始經略中亞
怎麼想都想不出快樂結局啊
當然要畫小民如常生活也不是不行啦

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Walkíria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw, so sad that Henry couldn't visit Amir again

[Lucile Rousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Après des tomes précédents plus calmes, l'intrigue accélère bien et on a même le droit à la conclusion partielle de certaines situations.
Cin étoiles pour les pôtis phoques de la mer Caspienne <3

[Salaï · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un véritable plaisir, comme d’habitude ! J’ai hâte de retrouver Amir et Karluk dans le prochain tome !

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin sisters Leily and Laila burst back into the series with their infectious joie de vivre as they throw a dinner party and reveal that they are mermaids. (One of those things is less true than the other, but not by much.)

It'd be a five-star book if they had stuck around for the second half just chatting or doing chores or whatever, but instead we follow Henry Smith and Talas as they attempt a treacherous transit through a war zone to visit the main couple of the series, Amir and Karluk, as the final part of Smith's Central Asian sojourn. There is some actual action and adventure for anyone who worries that the series spends too much time on embroidery and meaningful glances.

And, oops, I just realized that my library has received the books out of order, so I have accidentally skipped Vol. 12. Given the episodic nature of the series with different volumes focusing on different members of the ensemble cast, I don't think it will matter much.

[Ostrava · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been ages since I read this though for some reason I never reviewed it. Which is weird because I explicitly remember thinking, "this is my favourite volume so far." Or at least this last section of the manga.

Man, Bride Story is something else, isn't it? But it's going to end one of these days. I think I'll give it a break until that happens and then I'll give it the final push. No need to rush...

[Ignacio · Rating 3 out of 5]

El primer tercio del tomo se me ha hecho un poco bola. Se centra en el recibimiento por parte de las gemelas a Smith y Talas y la preparación de una comida, con todo lujo de detalles (buf). La cosa se anima un poco cuando retoman el viaje, ahora sí con un poco de peligro... y un giro inesperado. Supongo que a partir del próximo tomo volvemos a Karluk y Amira, porque la serie se consume cuando se aleja de ellos.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contingut sàfic a dojo. El dibuix, com sempre, meravellós.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this series. As I feel the series apparently coming to a close in another volume or two I hold my breath....my message to Mori...more more more, please!

[S.Q. Eries · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Review

Emotionally and plotwise, Volume 13 runs the gamut. It starts off with a carving “lesson” between Rostem and a local woodworker that is the very definition of slice-of-life.

The narrative then shifts to Mr. Smith’s reverse journey as he reaches the shared home of the now wedded twins and their husbands. They might be married, but Laila and Leily are as impetuous as ever as they take on the responsibility of hosting the travelers. The endeavor predictably turns into a sitcom with the two scatterbrained sisters barely managing to execute the myriad duties expected of a host.

However, once the kitchen chaos has died down, Mori-sensei surprises us with Talas’ first ocean visit. Having learned that the desert woman has never swum, the twins insist on taking her to the sea. What comes next is a series of gorgeous illustrations that beautifully reflects Talas’ awe at the underwater world.

Then Mr. Smith and company move on, but not before the villagers warn them about unrest in the direction they’re headed. Russian activities have been mentioned throughout the series, and now they take center stage as Mr. Smith’s group is first ambushed by bandits then gets caught when Russians attack on a town they’re traveling through. Fans of historical combat will geek out at the weapons and techniques meticulously illustrated on these pages. In Chapter 92 “Bandits,” Ali demonstrates what it takes to load gunpowder and a lead ball into a rifle while racing to avoid sniper fire. Nikolovsky shows even greater skill in Chapter 93 “Turning Point” when he takes out several Russian soldiers to secure an escape route for fleeing townsfolk. Even Talas shows her mettle, riding Chubar to capture a spooked horse. Mr. Smith, as usual, isn’t very helpful when danger strikes but survives thanks to his companions.

And because those companions deem it unsafe to continue their journey, he agrees to end the endeavor, detouring to a port to sail home to England. That took me by surprise as I expected the series to conclude with a reunion between Smith and Amir’s family. Instead, Smith and Talas (and Chubar!) sail off, presumably to their happily ever after, and it is Nikolovsky’s return to Hastings that concludes the arc. And although Nikolovsky’s personal life isn’t really part of the story, the last chapter does offer insight into the man’s personality.

Extras include Mori-sensei’s manga style afterword.

In Summary

After a brief glimpse of the woodworker’s shop in Amir’s town, the narrative continues with Smith’s endeavor to revisit and photograph the people he’s encountered. His reunion with the twins is comic, with the girls biting off more than they can chew by playing host. However, the light mood evaporates when Smith and company enter an area where the Russians are stirring up trouble. Thus Smith is forced to change plans, and although the trip ends much differently than I anticipated, it still ends happily for him and his three traveling companions.

For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!

[Tibby]

In volume 13 we are back following Mr. Smith, but he is meeting up with several of the families we have met along the way. Mostly the book features revisiting the twins who are as intense as ever, but also clearly starting to mature a wee bit. When Mr. Smith arrives back in their village the girls offer to host the feast. This makes their mother incredibly nervous and she ends up anxiously hovering over their preparations. Their grandmother on the other hand essentially says let them do it and figures they'll make it work. Except there is an exchange between the Layla and Leily and Sarm and Sami where they realize the importance of hosting and how this is both their first foray into it and also how their reputation as hosts rests on this one event. It's stressful and a lot of work, but they pull it off and the girls pat themselves on the back when all is said and done.

During the meal served by Sarm and Sami, Mr. Smith is warned of unrest in the areas he is heading off too. Things are calm and normal in the twins' village, but not further on. Mr. Smith is hoping to reconnect with Amir and her family, but makes it only as far as the family with lots of daughters. Mr. Smith makes the call that Ali and Nikolovski should be the deciders of when their party turns back. They have experience and will know if things feel off. Sure enough, just before entering the village they are attacked by bandits who are not very skillful. Ali decides they are probably just ordinary people pushed into banditry, not a good sign.

While staying in the village they are attacked by Russian troops and have to flee the village with the women and children. Ali makes the call that it's too dangerous to keep going. They turn south, sell off their supplies and secure passage on a ship to Bombay. Here Ali and Nikolovski part ways with Talas and Mr. Smith. Talas is heartbroken to leave her horse Chubar and Mr. Smith refuses to let her. They board the horse on the ship and sail off to India to catch a ship home to England. Mr. Smith hopes to one day reconnect with Amir and her family, but recognizes it might be time to return home.

I liked this installment because it revisited a number of the story lines from previous volumes. It was a good sampling of where the stories are now. I'm incredibly curious to see how Talas is received if they do end up going back to England. And while Mr. Smith was disappointed not to see Amir and her family again, I feel like readers have been following her story in other installments that have not included Mr. Smith. I am currently forgetting the younger, awkward girl's name that Amir took under her wing, but I do want to see more of her marriage story. As always the art in these is stunning and the quality of the story and the art does not seem to diminish as the series continues.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that I say it every time with these books, but I really love their slice-of-life nature. The big drama in this volume is the twins Laila and Leily (and their respective husbands, of course!) hosting their first guests after their shared wedding. It's panic stations in the kitchen, with their sceptical mother hanging over their disorganised selves and threatening social disgrace if they don't put on a good show, while their husbands are worried about the more boring guests boring everyone with their long stories, and of course it all comes together in the end, with everyone happy and good-natured. My favourite part is when the twins realise that one of their guests has never been swimming, and so they take her off for a private dip in the sea and there are fish and seals and the whole thing's just very enjoyable and relaxing to read.

It's amazing that so many pages can be filled with "do we have enough food?" and "where shall we put the cushions?" and still be genuinely riveting. All credit to the author, she does a wonderful job with this series, and the artwork is always gorgeous.

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il volume 13 segna un momento di svolta a livello di trama. Infatti, la situazione geopolitica è peggiorata sempre di più e le incursioni dell'esercito russo hanno raggiunto anche i luoghi verso cui è diretto Henry. Quindi, a malincuore, dietro consiglio di Ali e Nikolovski, Henry decide di mettere la parola fine al suo viaggio e di fare ritorno in Inghilterra con Talas. Mi sarebbe piaciuto vedere il suo incontro con Amira, Karluk e il resto della loro famiglia, ma la sicurezza viene prima di tutto. Adesso sono curiosa di vedere se il manga seguirà anche il suo ritorno a casa o se continuerà a concentrarsi solo sul Turkestan e altre aree dell'Asia centrale. Spero di sì, perché sarebbe interessante seguire il processo di adattamento di Talas e l'evoluzione del suo rapporto con Henry (e con la famiglia di lui).
Prima della partenza non è mancata un'ultima visita al villaggio delle nostre gemelle preferite, sempre su di giri, e di quei santi dei loro mariti. Un ultimo momento di felicità, prima dell'amara conclusione di un viaggio che sarebbe dovuto durare più a lungo. Chissà se Henry farà mai ritorno lì oppure no...

[Sheri Kempton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this volume Mr. Smith is traveling along with his guide Ali, his love Talas, and the ever faithful Mr. Nikolovsky. They make a pit stop at Laila and Leily's village where they are happily welcomed and served a special celebratory meal. Laila and Leily take Talas swimming for her very first time and the underwater artwork is stunning, especially the seals and the way Kaoru Mori shows the sun's rays piercing through the water. Mr. Smith's group moves on and is attacked by bandits but they survive with Mr. Nikolovsky's bravery and Ali's guidance. They make it to a ship where the group separates and Mr. Smith and Talas sail away. Mr. Hawkins gives Mr. Nikolovski a generous gift in the end and in this story we also learn Mr. Smith's first name. This was a solid volume but I did miss Karluk and Amir.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I am almost at the end of what’s available right now! I hope we get more soon.

This one had some emotional beats in it with the end of Mr Smith’s adventure - I was just so glad that he (or anyone else for that matter) didn’t die! I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for Henry & Talas, but also hope to see that Amir & Karluk, et. al are doing okay too.

I didn’t expect to get so attached to this series or these characters but here we are! 🥲

Also, despite having the loud and obnoxious twins, I really enjoyed this one. Past them trying to organize their dinner, the part with them showing Talas how to swim was great!

I don’t know if she plans for us to ever see the other couples again, but I wouldn’t even mind catching up with how the twins are doing later. I also hope we get to see Ali’s search for a bride and eventual wedding.

4.5/5

[The Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 87 is only seven pages long...but I love it so much. Rostem is so freaking cute!!

Anyway, Mr. Smith is still trying to make his way back to visit Amir and Karluk. And he just made it to the home of Laila, Leily, Sarm, and Sami who are excited (and a little overwhelmed) to have their first guests. And a girl from the desert gets her first swim in the sea.


But this one does have a bittersweet ending... not necessarily sad... it's a feeling of disappointment? Like not getting to go to the park because it rained. But it still leaves you hopeful to try again another day.

[Martín D. Herrera Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regresar por la ruta del inglesito, escenarios que el lector ya conoció, pero la nueva viajera Talas no; verlo todo desde su perspectiva es una experiencia diferente que (al menos para mí) resulta maravillosa, y hasta superior yo diría.

Como la portada ya avisa, toca reencontrarse con las dos chistosas gemelas (que ahora ofician de anfitrionas amas de casa) y el nostálgicamente paradisíaco Mar de Aral. El otro personaje que especialmente destaca en este libro es Nikolovsky, ese guardián tan fuerte y tan tierno a la vez.

El manga empieza a amenazar con terminarse... aunque bien podría concluir en el libro siguiente o extenderse unos cuantos más, porque todavía hay tela para cortar.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful installment, we get to see the end of Mr. Smith's travels, and how the Twins are getting along with marriage. It was brilliant to see Mr. Smith make it back to the Twin's home, however it was so sad to see him not make it to see Amir and Karluk one last time. The action was brilliant, really made the point of how dangerous the region is getting. It is so exciting to see what Talas thinks of England and how their relationship proceeds. This was a great conclusion to Mr. Smith's travels and I hope that he will get to see Amir and Karluk again. It was so enjoyable and brilliant, it was well worth the read.