What do you think?
Rate this book
乙嫁語り [Otoyomegatari] #9
A Bride's Story, Vol. 9
Acclaimed creator Kaoru Mori's tale of life on the nineteenth-century Silk Road continues. Pariya's budding romance with Umar is off to a rough start due to her brash personality and lack of confidence. But if she can't figure out how to say what she wants with words, then perhaps the old adage is true--the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!Crafted in painstaking detail, Ms. Mori's pen breathes life into the scenery and architecture of the period in this heart-warming, slice-of-life tale that is at once wholly exotic, yet familiar and accessible through the everyday lives of the characters she has created.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2016
15 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Kaoru Mori
101 books859 followersKaoru 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 31, 2018
The ninth volume of this remarkable manga series that focuses on girls-to-marry, exclusively by parental arrangement, on The Silk Road in the nineteenth century. The focus switches from girl to girl in each volume, all of them teens, in arranged marriages, creating a kind of historical panorama. This practice of teen arranged marriages from the perspective of the West, is seen as horrific, maybe. But Mori has something else in mind: How do women negotiate this patriarchal space, how do they connect with and support each other, and yes, even find love?
Pariya can't really officially talk to and get to know her hopeful fiance, Umar, but she finds ways. The two of them actually really discover they like each other very much. But Pariya is also socially awkward, which is both sweet and causes comical situations. She also has a lot of embroidery to complete, part of her dowry, which could slow down the process, but she gets help from friends.
Amazingly researched, painstakingly illustrated, and just plain fun. For fans of historical fiction, manga, and feminist history.
Pariya can't really officially talk to and get to know her hopeful fiance, Umar, but she finds ways. The two of them actually really discover they like each other very much. But Pariya is also socially awkward, which is both sweet and causes comical situations. She also has a lot of embroidery to complete, part of her dowry, which could slow down the process, but she gets help from friends.
Amazingly researched, painstakingly illustrated, and just plain fun. For fans of historical fiction, manga, and feminist history.
December 30, 2018
A new volume in one of my favorite series!
It's been over two years since I've read volume 8, but the beautiful art and superbly-crafted tales make the wait well worthwhile. The main storyline is a continuation of the possible romance for Pariya, the village tsundere, but all my favorite characters show up to deliver some delicious tidbits.
A romance book set in the 1800s in a small village in Central Asia along the Silk Road may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend it.
It's been over two years since I've read volume 8, but the beautiful art and superbly-crafted tales make the wait well worthwhile. The main storyline is a continuation of the possible romance for Pariya, the village tsundere, but all my favorite characters show up to deliver some delicious tidbits.
A romance book set in the 1800s in a small village in Central Asia along the Silk Road may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend it.
May 30, 2019
Book blurb: Crafted in painstaking detail, Ms. Mori's pen breathes life into the scenery and architecture of the period in this heart-warming, slice-of-life tale that is at once wholly exotic, yet familiar and accessible through the everyday lives of the characters she has created.
I continue to love this historical manga set along the Silk Road during the 19th century, and picked up the next two in the series as part of the #AsianReadathon.
I love young Pariya, and this installment continues her marriage talks. Watching her learn some of the skills required of the girls/women in her culture has been both fun and heartbreaking. This young, fierce spirit is realizing that though she is singular in many ways, she also needs to conform to fit in. This series wonderfully explores female friendships, and the ones in this installment are even more delightful, given Pariya's social awkwardness. She has also realized that she knows nothing about the boy she is to marry, and sets out to rectify the situation. Oh Pariya!
I continue to love this historical manga set along the Silk Road during the 19th century, and picked up the next two in the series as part of the #AsianReadathon.
I love young Pariya, and this installment continues her marriage talks. Watching her learn some of the skills required of the girls/women in her culture has been both fun and heartbreaking. This young, fierce spirit is realizing that though she is singular in many ways, she also needs to conform to fit in. This series wonderfully explores female friendships, and the ones in this installment are even more delightful, given Pariya's social awkwardness. She has also realized that she knows nothing about the boy she is to marry, and sets out to rectify the situation. Oh Pariya!
October 28, 2023
This is the best volume for me so far! I adore Pariya; she just might be my favourite. She's so awkward yet so sincere and earnest it's endearing.
August 21, 2020
Bride Stories ou le manga le plus beau que j'ai découvert.
Ce tome 9 est majoritairement axé sur Pariya. La demoiselle doit refaire son trousseau de mariage qui a brûlé dans l'incendie de sa maison. En même temps, son prétendant est dans le village pour aider aux réparations. Elle souhaite profiter de cette occasion pour mieux le connaître. Seulement, la tâche n'est pas facile pour la jeune fille qui souhaite se montrer irréprochable mais qui a du mal à refréner son naturel entier. Dommage que parfois, elle ne sache pas être un peu plus tempérer dans sa manière de parler à son fiancé.
Nous avons aussi l'occasion de voir un peu mes deux tourtereaux préférés, Amir et Karluk mais malheureusement, leur intervention est de courte durée.
Ce tome 9 est majoritairement axé sur Pariya. La demoiselle doit refaire son trousseau de mariage qui a brûlé dans l'incendie de sa maison. En même temps, son prétendant est dans le village pour aider aux réparations. Elle souhaite profiter de cette occasion pour mieux le connaître. Seulement, la tâche n'est pas facile pour la jeune fille qui souhaite se montrer irréprochable mais qui a du mal à refréner son naturel entier. Dommage que parfois, elle ne sache pas être un peu plus tempérer dans sa manière de parler à son fiancé.
Nous avons aussi l'occasion de voir un peu mes deux tourtereaux préférés, Amir et Karluk mais malheureusement, leur intervention est de courte durée.
November 28, 2019
Divertido, la historia de Pariya me gusto mucho
November 30, 2017
A Bride's Story continues to be the most intricate, vibrant, and oddly compelling slice-of-life ever. This volume concentrates mostly on Priya and her potential marriage. I adore this socially awkward character trying to fit within the norms of community, and it's wonderful to see her succeeding without having to give up herself. Plus she and her beau are adorable :D
July 5, 2019
20190705 購入KOBO版
原藏新竹市圖
--
20180526 1st read
中亞的伊斯蘭世界對我來說是很陌生的
從建築風格來看似乎還畫到一些伊朗
但姊妹婚的習俗之前也沒在書上看過
人物名字從本民族語言對音到片假名再音譯成中文
很難看出原本的穆斯林取名方式了
只有幾個角色比較好認出是穆斯林通用的名字
主角一家大概生活在鹹海附近
翻譯顯然沒看懂沒翻出來
倒是馬其頓的薩洛尼卡就翻得很正確
這也無法強求了，畢竟是很冷門的知識
中文書好像很少講中亞平民生活的
努力回想看過的書大半都是左宗棠遠征新疆和阿古柏之類的書
不然就是甘肅回民遷往中亞變成東干族的書
從後記看來作者也是畫到這部中期才真正到了中亞
顯然日本有很多相關書可以看，好羨慕啊
看起來故事的背景大約是英俄大博弈初期
不曉得會不會畫新疆的動亂呢?
大概還是會以俄羅斯征服中亞為主吧
原藏新竹市圖
--
20180526 1st read
中亞的伊斯蘭世界對我來說是很陌生的
從建築風格來看似乎還畫到一些伊朗
但姊妹婚的習俗之前也沒在書上看過
人物名字從本民族語言對音到片假名再音譯成中文
很難看出原本的穆斯林取名方式了
只有幾個角色比較好認出是穆斯林通用的名字
主角一家大概生活在鹹海附近
翻譯顯然沒看懂沒翻出來
倒是馬其頓的薩洛尼卡就翻得很正確
這也無法強求了，畢竟是很冷門的知識
中文書好像很少講中亞平民生活的
努力回想看過的書大半都是左宗棠遠征新疆和阿古柏之類的書
不然就是甘肅回民遷往中亞變成東干族的書
從後記看來作者也是畫到這部中期才真正到了中亞
顯然日本有很多相關書可以看，好羨慕啊
看起來故事的背景大約是英俄大博弈初期
不曉得會不會畫新疆的動亂呢?
大概還是會以俄羅斯征服中亞為主吧
February 27, 2021
Mostly about Pariya, though there's some advance on a few other stories, too.
Against the backdrop of repairing the town, Pariya is flustered a lot about Umar, works on her embroidery (necessary to replace all those items before the wedding!), and tries to find out about him.
He tries to figure her out too, which is difficult because she's acting oddly. It includes kittens, the friend Pariya made last volume, someone collapsed on the road, waterwheels, Pariya's singing some local songs, and more.
Against the backdrop of repairing the town, Pariya is flustered a lot about Umar, works on her embroidery (necessary to replace all those items before the wedding!), and tries to find out about him.
He tries to figure her out too, which is difficult because she's acting oddly. It includes kittens, the friend Pariya made last volume, someone collapsed on the road, waterwheels, Pariya's singing some local songs, and more.
April 7, 2019
Ich mag diese Reihe wirklich sehr <3
March 9, 2026
Continuamos con la historia de Pariya, que sigue tejiendo las piezas de su dote y conociendo más al chico con quien ahora esta prometida y se ve que se llevan muy bien, se entiende más por que él y su padre la aprecian tanto (y no es por que Pariya no sea una buena chica, pero ellos pronto entendieron la verdadera naturaleza de ella a comparación con el resto del pueblo).
Después de muchos tomos, no hay duda que la Abuela de Karluk, es una fuerza de la naturaleza en si misma y también la gran motivadora de esa familia, una mujer muy sabia que siempre alienta no solo a su familia, sino también a quienes la rodean.
Después de muchos tomos, no hay duda que la Abuela de Karluk, es una fuerza de la naturaleza en si misma y también la gran motivadora de esa familia, una mujer muy sabia que siempre alienta no solo a su familia, sino también a quienes la rodean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2019
Another great volume! I love that the stories in this volume picks up where the previous volume left off (aside from the short comic strips at the beginning of the book), which depicts Pariya's social anxiety when it comes to making new friends and getting to know her fiancé. Pariya is definitely my favourite character in this series - her awkwardness is endearing and relatable. I hope we get to see more of Pariya in future volumes!
I'd also like to add that the Author's Note at the end seems to include more and more interesting information as the story progresses. The Author's Note at the end of this book includes an interesting tidbit on each chapter of this book.
I'd also like to add that the Author's Note at the end seems to include more and more interesting information as the story progresses. The Author's Note at the end of this book includes an interesting tidbit on each chapter of this book.
March 28, 2017
I'm already waiting for the 10th book ;)
July 17, 2017
Paryia <3
January 1, 2019
SUCH a feel good series. I kept bothering my bf while he was playing video games to tell him about all the funny/ cute things that happened during this volume.
August 28, 2020
8/10.
Me encanta la pareja que forman Priya y Umar. También me alegra que su relación vaya avanzando y que ahora sepamos muchas más cosas sobre él.
Me encanta la pareja que forman Priya y Umar. También me alegra que su relación vaya avanzando y que ahora sepamos muchas más cosas sobre él.
February 15, 2026
Pariya's marriage story is honestly probably my favorite of the series for many reasons - 1.) she's misunderstood (brusque, outspoken, and short with her speech. people often assume she's rude and unlady-like and it has affected her self-esteem deeply and caused trouble getting her a marriage candidate.) she is actually a nice girl with good intentions, who sucks at talking to people and wants to be better. And she's actually pretty romantic at heart but shy.
2.) The boy who she meets and wants to marry is actually her age!
3.) He likes her for her liveliness, and grows to like her more when he sees her strength and tenacity (what she considers her weaknesses in their culture of quiet women). He is also kind of awkward in their culture's standards because he grew up around only boys. this works in the couples benefit since Pariya is considered tomboyish.
And their little falling for each other is so cute! I very much enjoyed seeing it. I'm sad because this is the last volume my library has, so I'm not sure when I can continue reading this series (there are 6 more books as of now and ongoing).
2.) The boy who she meets and wants to marry is actually her age!
3.) He likes her for her liveliness, and grows to like her more when he sees her strength and tenacity (what she considers her weaknesses in their culture of quiet women). He is also kind of awkward in their culture's standards because he grew up around only boys. this works in the couples benefit since Pariya is considered tomboyish.
And their little falling for each other is so cute! I very much enjoyed seeing it. I'm sad because this is the last volume my library has, so I'm not sure when I can continue reading this series (there are 6 more books as of now and ongoing).
August 5, 2020
My short review is not an indictment on my lack of enjoyment of this volume or this series but rather that I am running out of ways to say “this manga series is great - I loved it. Check it out”
The sentiment holds though.
The volume follows Pariya and her budding romance / crush on her finance Umar. It was so cute and honest - there were a couple of scene with made me giggle and happy. This is probably the happiest volume of the manga (and unlike the volumes with the Twins), the cute scenes are balanced with honesty and detail. Here is it Pariya finding her friend groups, her courage and her voice.
Plus, Umar is also a stronger, more well drawn out character which was a plus.
Also … the last page - *squeel*.
Yeah - so - read this series.
The sentiment holds though.
The volume follows Pariya and her budding romance / crush on her finance Umar. It was so cute and honest - there were a couple of scene with made me giggle and happy. This is probably the happiest volume of the manga (and unlike the volumes with the Twins), the cute scenes are balanced with honesty and detail. Here is it Pariya finding her friend groups, her courage and her voice.
Plus, Umar is also a stronger, more well drawn out character which was a plus.
Also … the last page - *squeel*.
Yeah - so - read this series.
August 26, 2024
This series is truly a splendid piece of art that focuses on a (pretty much) untold history of people that were living around the Caspian Sea and alongside the Silk Road in 19th century. The art is gorgeous, characters lively and these little short stories make you feel homesick for a home you never even dreamt about before. It's not a manga about romance as it might occur on a first sight. Yes, there are stories of brides, husbands, people in the talks of being engaged etc.. but remember that being a wife doesn't mean you can't be something else. This manga is full of beautiful stories worth reading. It has a wide range of topics to offer to everyone and it wields them masterfully - From mundane things you wouldn't even bother to think about to things that move the world. Highly recommend.
January 16, 2021
Pretty fun since it focuses on awkward Pariya. But you get to drop in on a bunch of different characters in her social bubble. The cultural expectations around Pariya and what it takes to get married are interesting. Sounds rough! But it's nice to know that the characters support and help each other too to make it through.
June 1, 2021
Freaking loving this manga. Pariya's arch was my favorite so far (let's see how long does that last). My onliest complain, if I had any, is that all of the male fiances are a bit samey and "ideal". While the focus is femenine, that shouldn't restrict Mori into improving their characterization.
But it's honestly a non-issue, this manga is great and you should read it.
But it's honestly a non-issue, this manga is great and you should read it.
August 28, 2024
Estuvo chidis y todos los dibujos del pan y la costura son hermosos.
Pariya y Umar son bien lindos juntos, amo.
Y nada, este manga me da mucha paz.
Also, muy feliz de ver a Azel en un par de páginas.
Pariya y Umar son bien lindos juntos, amo.
Y nada, este manga me da mucha paz.
Also, muy feliz de ver a Azel en un par de páginas.
July 23, 2025
ফারিয়া কিছুটা অসামাজিক হলেও ভিতরে ভিতরে সে সবার বন্ধুত্ব কামনা করে।সে তার হবু স্বামী ওমর সম্পর্কে জানতে আগ্রহী, কিন্তু সামনাসামনি হলে আচরণ কেমন জানি হয়ে যায়।একটা সুযোগ মিলে তাদের সময় কাটানোর। এতে তাদের মধ্যে থাকা জড়তা কেটে যায়, সম্পর্ক সহজ হয়ে যায়।একে অপরের ভালো বন্ধু হয়ে উঠে।
February 9, 2025
J'adore tellement cette histoire 🥰 Je suis super touchée par ce nouveau petit couple
August 14, 2025
I relate so hard to Pariya! I want things to work out for her and Umar. Their courtship is so sweet and relatable.
September 19, 2025
this one had some really cute moments. I love Pariya and Umar.
May 14, 2020
This volume was a particularly fun read. Pariya and Umar's courtship is both sweet and hilarious and I loved seeing how Pariya grew to understand him more and made more friends along the way. People are starting to understand her personality a little better!
March 18, 2017
Nous suivons toujours la jeune Pariya dans ce tome. Ca avance doucement avec son futur fiancé et en plus, elle arrive aussi à se faire des amies, en plus d'Amir ! Enfin ! Ce manga est un vrai bonheur ! Ca va être dur d'attendre la sortie du 10ème tome !!!!! JE SUIS FAN !
January 31, 2018
Kaoru Mori's A Bride's Story, Volume 9 mostly tells the story of Pariya's developing relationship with Umar, the boy who wishes to marry her. Not being the most traditional of brides-to-be, Pariya has a lot to learn both about her possible husband-to-be and about getting things ready to make her own home after marriage.
Pariya is actually one of my favorite characters in this manga series (Amir being the other), so I was happy this one mostly featured her. I also like that it shows that, although she is a bit awkward around men and isn't into more traditional feminine hobbies within her society, that it does not affect her relationships with others. And the illustrations of her internal dialogue versus her outward reactions make the storyline quite funny at times!
I would recommend this manga series to anyone who likes reading a manga series that is more realistic and historically based--maybe historical romance set in the 1900s Central Asia with only light nudity (in a few volumes only) and no sexual content (thus far).
Pariya is actually one of my favorite characters in this manga series (Amir being the other), so I was happy this one mostly featured her. I also like that it shows that, although she is a bit awkward around men and isn't into more traditional feminine hobbies within her society, that it does not affect her relationships with others. And the illustrations of her internal dialogue versus her outward reactions make the storyline quite funny at times!
I would recommend this manga series to anyone who likes reading a manga series that is more realistic and historically based--maybe historical romance set in the 1900s Central Asia with only light nudity (in a few volumes only) and no sexual content (thus far).
December 11, 2017
I've given a lot of 5 stars reviews this year! The art of this manga series by Kaoro Mori is truly above and beyond anything I have ever seen. This manga could have no words and i would want to "read it." Book 9 features Piriyah, a difficult girl whose family thinks it will be impossible to find a boy to marry her! There are some wonderful side panels that refresh our memories about the earlier lady "Brides" from volumes 1-8. I've read the series in order which I am sure has enhanced my enjoyment. I love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews