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乙嫁語り [Otoyomegatari] #2
Cô dâu thảo nguyên - Tập 2
Sau một thời gian bên nhau, cô dâu Amir và chú rể Karluk đã trở nên gắn bó.
Một ngày nọ, từ phương xa, những người họ hàng của Amir đã tới nơi cô làm dâu.
Amir vui mừng xiết bao nhưng không ngờ, từ trên lưng ngựa, họ bảo cô…
Biết bao khó xử, bối rối, thậm chí cả tranh đấu diễn ra từ đây…
Trong hoàn cảnh đó, trái tim Amir cũng bắt đầu nảy sinh những cảm xúc mới mẻ…
Nét vẽ của tác giả Mori Kaoru vẫn sẽ tiếp tục không làm độc giả thất vọng!
Một ngày nọ, từ phương xa, những người họ hàng của Amir đã tới nơi cô làm dâu.
Amir vui mừng xiết bao nhưng không ngờ, từ trên lưng ngựa, họ bảo cô…
Biết bao khó xử, bối rối, thậm chí cả tranh đấu diễn ra từ đây…
Trong hoàn cảnh đó, trái tim Amir cũng bắt đầu nảy sinh những cảm xúc mới mẻ…
Nét vẽ của tác giả Mori Kaoru vẫn sẽ tiếp tục không làm độc giả thất vọng!
190 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2010
34 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Kaoru Mori
101 books849 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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
August 8, 2017
I'm going through my second childhood enjoying graphic novels (anime/manga). Actually I'm only interested in the ones which are cultural or historical.
The second installment of A Bride's Story is better than the first story wise. It delves more into the cultural and historical setting of the story than the first book. Mr. Smith (no relation) who is an a young British researcher/anthropologist and is a guest of Karluk and Amir's family is more visible this time in the story. In the first book I wondered who is this blonde guy with glasses and how does he fit into the story? He just pops up a few times in book one.
At the end of the book the author once again writes an interesting afterword of the what, when, and why aspects of the novel. Karluk and Amir's story ends as Mr. Smith rides off to another town in Central Asia to continue his research and thus another bride's story will begin.
The A Bride's Story series is made up of multiple books. It's possible I might read more of them though none of the libraries here in Georgia have any volumes beyond book two in the series.
The second installment of A Bride's Story is better than the first story wise. It delves more into the cultural and historical setting of the story than the first book. Mr. Smith (no relation) who is an a young British researcher/anthropologist and is a guest of Karluk and Amir's family is more visible this time in the story. In the first book I wondered who is this blonde guy with glasses and how does he fit into the story? He just pops up a few times in book one.
At the end of the book the author once again writes an interesting afterword of the what, when, and why aspects of the novel. Karluk and Amir's story ends as Mr. Smith rides off to another town in Central Asia to continue his research and thus another bride's story will begin.
The A Bride's Story series is made up of multiple books. It's possible I might read more of them though none of the libraries here in Georgia have any volumes beyond book two in the series.
March 8, 2018
The second volume, the second part of Amira and Karluk's story.
At first it seems all is sweet and quiet in Amira and Karluk's life. The troubles that followed them last time seemed to have passed. But that is just a ruse, Amira's family is still around and still very dedicated to taking their girl with them. No matter that they will have to break up a happy couple and probably get in bad waters with that family.
This book switches between those parts and also shows more about Karluk's family/town. We see stuff like making bread and finding a husband (for Pariya), but also embroidery and making blankets and other stuff for the wedding (for the little girl in Karluk's family). We find out more about their customs, about their patterns and symbols. And I just loved it. I hope that we see Pariya again and maybe she is happily married this time. It seems she quite would love to be married.
The whole deal with Amira's family? Gosh, really, you can't just take her back. She isn't an item in a shop, and she is clearly unhappy to have to leave her husband. I was quite happy with how Karluk acted in this one. Sure, he did one thing I found stupid, but in the end he saved the day, so I can forgive him.
I loved the town and the inhabitants and how they went to fight Amira's family/people who came with them. How they protected one of their own (yes, Amira is totally accepted in the family). Of course it was pretty intense for Amira to have to say no to her family and see them get hurt. Thankfully she has some great people surrounding her to help her out if she wants to talk.
Karluk and Amira? I still love them together though of course it also still feels very weird to me. Here we have a kid (12 years old) and a woman (20 years old). It just feels kind of wrong. I know this is their culture, but the idea that these two have to have sex soon to produce babies... eh... But hey, if we just forgo that I do think they are pretty cute and sweet together. They care for each other. Karluk is very protective of his wife, and Amira is very caring for her husband. They do make a sweet couple and I have a feeling these two will have a very happy and fulfilling life together.
I was already wondering how this story would end. As it seems that there is enough to be told about our couple and their family. But I am definitely happy with how it ended, I guess I could have seen it coming, but I just hadn't expected that person to travel around (though he did have some serious reasons to travel). I guess his next adventures will lead us to a new girl, a new family to meet and discover. I can't wait!
The art is still freaking unbelievably beautiful. The amount of details will just stun you, the backgrounds make you feel like you are truly there and the characters are also gorgeously drawn.
All in all, I will be getting the next book very soon, I want to see who the next girl is going to be and how her life is. Also I am hoping that one day we will see Amira and Karluk again!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
At first it seems all is sweet and quiet in Amira and Karluk's life. The troubles that followed them last time seemed to have passed. But that is just a ruse, Amira's family is still around and still very dedicated to taking their girl with them. No matter that they will have to break up a happy couple and probably get in bad waters with that family.
This book switches between those parts and also shows more about Karluk's family/town. We see stuff like making bread and finding a husband (for Pariya), but also embroidery and making blankets and other stuff for the wedding (for the little girl in Karluk's family). We find out more about their customs, about their patterns and symbols. And I just loved it. I hope that we see Pariya again and maybe she is happily married this time. It seems she quite would love to be married.
The whole deal with Amira's family? Gosh, really, you can't just take her back. She isn't an item in a shop, and she is clearly unhappy to have to leave her husband. I was quite happy with how Karluk acted in this one. Sure, he did one thing I found stupid, but in the end he saved the day, so I can forgive him.
I loved the town and the inhabitants and how they went to fight Amira's family/people who came with them. How they protected one of their own (yes, Amira is totally accepted in the family). Of course it was pretty intense for Amira to have to say no to her family and see them get hurt. Thankfully she has some great people surrounding her to help her out if she wants to talk.
Karluk and Amira? I still love them together though of course it also still feels very weird to me. Here we have a kid (12 years old) and a woman (20 years old). It just feels kind of wrong. I know this is their culture, but the idea that these two have to have sex soon to produce babies... eh... But hey, if we just forgo that I do think they are pretty cute and sweet together. They care for each other. Karluk is very protective of his wife, and Amira is very caring for her husband. They do make a sweet couple and I have a feeling these two will have a very happy and fulfilling life together.
I was already wondering how this story would end. As it seems that there is enough to be told about our couple and their family. But I am definitely happy with how it ended, I guess I could have seen it coming, but I just hadn't expected that person to travel around (though he did have some serious reasons to travel). I guess his next adventures will lead us to a new girl, a new family to meet and discover. I can't wait!
The art is still freaking unbelievably beautiful. The amount of details will just stun you, the backgrounds make you feel like you are truly there and the characters are also gorgeously drawn.
All in all, I will be getting the next book very soon, I want to see who the next girl is going to be and how her life is. Also I am hoping that one day we will see Amira and Karluk again!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 17, 2020
¿Puede atraparte una historieta sobre la formación del ajuar o el bordado de las ropas? Pues sí, sobre todo cuando está dibujada con este grado de detalle. A destacar el trabajo de Mori con las tintas y las tramas al rematar el volumen y la textura de cada viñeta. Las que incluyen tejidos invitan a deleitarse en los detalles.
October 23, 2011
I really adore the way Mori interweaves plot and cultural history in this series - even better than in Emma to my mind. However if you mostly read for plot and romance, this is probably not the best Mori series for that.
The fall-out of the fact that Amir's family want to give her to a very strong tribe to the north of them (one that seems to have treated the previous brides of this tribe like dirt - all have died) really is the action centre this time around.
The contemporary generation of Amir, led by her brother, are quite unwilling to drag her back, but the uncles remain merciless, so it comes to a fight between the settled villagers and the Nomads. Amir gets really scared this time, but the villagers are victorious and her young husband Karluk really shines when he fights off the last free Nomad who got as far as their room.
In consequence, Amir really starts seeing him as a man ^^ (great-grandmother says she has "gained the heart of a bride"). We have some more of the beautiful nudity Mori does so well, but not in connection with the child groom - just Amir bathing and daydreaming.
With this resolved we learn about the incredible embroidery that the women do all their lives and what it means to the tribes, we visit the baking house and meet a girl from the village who is so outspoken she hasn't found a husband yet.
In preparation for the next volume the English anthropologist Smith, who has lived with the village and Karluk's family, gets so many letters (and a visit from Lady Hester Stanhope, I think - she isn't named in the book ^^) that he decides to move on to his next aim. Karluk and Amir take him part of the way, and Mori lets him be her voice when he muses about the life of these people.
In her fun omake, Mori says she wants to follow the anthropologist Smith to his next goal and introduce a new bride, so I expect if we see Amir and Karluk again it will be as a visit, and maybe when Karluk is finally old enough to really be seen as Amir's husband even in our western culture.
The fall-out of the fact that Amir's family want to give her to a very strong tribe to the north of them (one that seems to have treated the previous brides of this tribe like dirt - all have died) really is the action centre this time around.
The contemporary generation of Amir, led by her brother, are quite unwilling to drag her back, but the uncles remain merciless, so it comes to a fight between the settled villagers and the Nomads. Amir gets really scared this time, but the villagers are victorious and her young husband Karluk really shines when he fights off the last free Nomad who got as far as their room.
In consequence, Amir really starts seeing him as a man ^^ (great-grandmother says she has "gained the heart of a bride"). We have some more of the beautiful nudity Mori does so well, but not in connection with the child groom - just Amir bathing and daydreaming.
With this resolved we learn about the incredible embroidery that the women do all their lives and what it means to the tribes, we visit the baking house and meet a girl from the village who is so outspoken she hasn't found a husband yet.
In preparation for the next volume the English anthropologist Smith, who has lived with the village and Karluk's family, gets so many letters (and a visit from Lady Hester Stanhope, I think - she isn't named in the book ^^) that he decides to move on to his next aim. Karluk and Amir take him part of the way, and Mori lets him be her voice when he muses about the life of these people.
In her fun omake, Mori says she wants to follow the anthropologist Smith to his next goal and introduce a new bride, so I expect if we see Amir and Karluk again it will be as a visit, and maybe when Karluk is finally old enough to really be seen as Amir's husband even in our western culture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2017
Buenísimo tebeo histórico-romántico-costumbrista ambientado en Asia central, zona del mar Caspio, a mediados del siglo XIX. Me está gustando muchísimo, sobre todo cuando no hay conflicto, y se limita a pequeños asuntos cotidianos, la primera historia sobre como los dos protagonistas solucionan un "no me pasa nada, cariño" (y qué bien está llevada la relación entre una mujer de veinte años y un chaval de doce) o cuando las mujeres de la familia sacan las telas de dote de bisabuelas y tatarabuelas, son maravillosas, pero maravillosas de derretirse de amor. Los conflictos están bien, pero no llegan al nivel sublime de estas viñetas del día a día.
Respecto al dibujo, me gusta mucho excepto una chorrada, los ojos de los protagonistas son ENORMES, al estilo tradicional del shojo. Es una tontería, lo sé, probablemente es que no estoy acostumbrado, pero este estilo a veces me chirría un pelín n un manga histórico. Tampoco tiene demasiada importancia, porque Mori dibuja y narra estupendamente, y está especialmente dotada para representar las artes decorativas, tanto repujados, como tallas en madera y, sobre todo, las telas bordadas y los trajes tradicionales, que son una maravilla
Respecto al dibujo, me gusta mucho excepto una chorrada, los ojos de los protagonistas son ENORMES, al estilo tradicional del shojo. Es una tontería, lo sé, probablemente es que no estoy acostumbrado, pero este estilo a veces me chirría un pelín n un manga histórico. Tampoco tiene demasiada importancia, porque Mori dibuja y narra estupendamente, y está especialmente dotada para representar las artes decorativas, tanto repujados, como tallas en madera y, sobre todo, las telas bordadas y los trajes tradicionales, que son una maravilla
June 15, 2025
2025:
3,5 Stars
2020:
4 Stars
3,5 Stars
2020:
4 Stars
August 14, 2024
A young bride has adventures with her new husband along the Silk Road.
Some of my older girl cousins used to read Romance comics from the late 60's, early 70's. Among them was a series called Young Married, or some-such. Basically, a young married would have their first big fight, and eventually make up.
This is like that, except it goes on a hundred pages, instead of ten or twelve.
Some of my older girl cousins used to read Romance comics from the late 60's, early 70's. Among them was a series called Young Married, or some-such. Basically, a young married would have their first big fight, and eventually make up.
This is like that, except it goes on a hundred pages, instead of ten or twelve.
October 17, 2011
The detail work is as lovely as ever (there are some lovely sequences about sewing clothes and quilts, and some silent sequences about the growing closeness between Amir and Karluk that are vivid and endearing), but this volume goes further into squicky/disappointing territory for me -- the difference between 13 and 20 is so big that I just have a hard time buying Amir's attraction to Karluk, and her seeking his comfort/protection just seems wrong. He's a child! She should be protecting him! Or at least trying to reassure him more. The idea that stereotypical gender relations (weak female, strong male) are the only way to romance is unpleasant.
And at the end there's an overt alignment of the reader with the Western anthropologist, the outside observer, in a way which is uncomfortable and romanticized for me, though maybe also more honest than I was willing to be -- it draws attention to how much of the pleasure of this story (this kind of story) is anthropological, setting things in order. But I guess that gets at my concerns about whether anthropological narratives can ever be ethical or if they are always going to be an exertion of power. I hope not the latter, because there is so much pleasure in the ordering and the categorizing and the observing and the understanding, but it's not as if pleasure ever guaranteed right.
And at the end there's an overt alignment of the reader with the Western anthropologist, the outside observer, in a way which is uncomfortable and romanticized for me, though maybe also more honest than I was willing to be -- it draws attention to how much of the pleasure of this story (this kind of story) is anthropological, setting things in order. But I guess that gets at my concerns about whether anthropological narratives can ever be ethical or if they are always going to be an exertion of power. I hope not the latter, because there is so much pleasure in the ordering and the categorizing and the observing and the understanding, but it's not as if pleasure ever guaranteed right.
September 1, 2025
I really loved the first two volumes in this series. kaoru Mori's characters are so vibrant , within a few panels you get a great sense of who they are. the story telling is immersive and the art is absolutely stunning.
July 2, 2018
Continuing the story of Amir and Karluk who although he is rather young still care very much for one another and face challenges with a tight nit community and friends all while we get a glimpse into a culture that might not be familiar to many of us. From a blossoming friendship with Amir's new friend Pariya (who has problems with finding a husband for being "too cheeky") that she met on Oven Day, to the continuing trouble that Amir's family brings as they try to get her back, to a moment when Amir has to consider the aftermath of her family being driven out as well as her feelings for Karluck, and finally a lesson in the importance of embroidery for little Tileke as well as a history lesson about the women in her family from 6 generations before the overly excitable Henry Smith must pack up his things and move on to new destinations and discoveries taking us readers along on a journey of both beauty and violence.
Sadly seeing Amir pull away from Karluck was heart wrenching even if it was only for a moment after Amir saved her from her father before he could take her back even though she was promised to Karluck. It goes to show you the skill in characterization and art by Kaoru Mori to make her characters so life like that it makes both moments of celebration and sadness all the more potent. As a matter of fact seeing her being able to relax again after dealing with the reality of her family and Karluck's surprise tickling of her leading to a tickle fight is probably my favorite moment as I felt so happy for both of them as they an now grow as a pair. :)
Sadly seeing Amir pull away from Karluck was heart wrenching even if it was only for a moment after Amir saved her from her father before he could take her back even though she was promised to Karluck. It goes to show you the skill in characterization and art by Kaoru Mori to make her characters so life like that it makes both moments of celebration and sadness all the more potent. As a matter of fact seeing her being able to relax again after dealing with the reality of her family and Karluck's surprise tickling of her leading to a tickle fight is probably my favorite moment as I felt so happy for both of them as they an now grow as a pair. :)
April 21, 2015
¡Cada vez estoy más enamorada de esta historia!
En este tomo hay mucha más acción que en el primero. La pacífica vida de la familia Ayhan se ve interrumpida por las acciones de la familia Hergal que busca recuperar a Amira. También llegamos a conocer un poco más al hermano de Amira, Azel y a su primo Joruk.
En esos mismos capítulos, podemos ver el crecimiento de Karluk. Si bien él nunca actuó como un niño, él parece crecer cuando se decide a proteger a Amira y a mantenerla a su lado a toda costa. A cambio, vemos como los sentimientos de Amira hacía su esposo cambian radicalmente luego de que él la salva, alterando completamente la dinámica de la pareja
Durante este tomo también empezamos a conocer a Henry Smith, un joven estudiante ingles que esta quedándose en la casa de los Ayhan desde el comienzo de la historia, pero a quién no se le había dado demasiado protagonismo aún.
En este tomo hay mucha más acción que en el primero. La pacífica vida de la familia Ayhan se ve interrumpida por las acciones de la familia Hergal que busca recuperar a Amira. También llegamos a conocer un poco más al hermano de Amira, Azel y a su primo Joruk.
En esos mismos capítulos, podemos ver el crecimiento de Karluk. Si bien él nunca actuó como un niño, él parece crecer cuando se decide a proteger a Amira y a mantenerla a su lado a toda costa. A cambio, vemos como los sentimientos de Amira hacía su esposo cambian radicalmente luego de que él la salva, alterando completamente la dinámica de la pareja
Durante este tomo también empezamos a conocer a Henry Smith, un joven estudiante ingles que esta quedándose en la casa de los Ayhan desde el comienzo de la historia, pero a quién no se le había dado demasiado protagonismo aún.
May 10, 2019
Um ... I don't know. I thought Amir loved Karlak in a big-sister sort of way because, even though they're legally married, he's still so young. But she seriously loves him. Can you imagine being a grown-behind woman and seeing your local Fortnite-playing-middle-schooler as a man? Like, someone you can look to for protection? It's just too ridiculous to me.
Anyway, there's a little bit of fighting when Amir's old clan (brothers, uncles, and uh, other dudes) try to renege on their arranged marriage offer. Apparently, a better offer came, so they need Amir back in their inventory to marry off again. (Lowkey makes me sad to think about how women were, sometimes, sold to the highest offer like cattle). Of course, Amir's new family doesn't take too kindly to that.
Overall, a good volume ...
SN: Amir comes from a good-looking family. Her brother is beautiful. They could be twins.
Anyway, there's a little bit of fighting when Amir's old clan (brothers, uncles, and uh, other dudes) try to renege on their arranged marriage offer. Apparently, a better offer came, so they need Amir back in their inventory to marry off again. (Lowkey makes me sad to think about how women were, sometimes, sold to the highest offer like cattle). Of course, Amir's new family doesn't take too kindly to that.
Overall, a good volume ...
SN: Amir comes from a good-looking family. Her brother is beautiful. They could be twins.
June 12, 2013
Like the previous volume of A Bride's Story, this one was marked by an obviously huge amount of research and painstaking attention to detail. Oh, and incredibly beautiful art, as you can easily see from the cover. Plot? Not so much, though there does seem to be a bit more than in the previous volume. This is historical slice of life, really. If nothing else, this is well worth reading just for the beautiful art. Apparently, the next volume will slightly shift scenery and main characters, so this may be the last we see of the characters here. On one hand, that's to bad, because I'd grown to like them. On the other, there's not much more that could be done to develop them without increasingly the pace of the storytelling.
October 14, 2015
This vol was partially confusing. There are sudden changes in her characteristic, but I like that her wildness has not gone away.
October 28, 2023
This is simply a beautifully crafted manga series that transports me to the 19th century Silk Road, providing a window into a world of cultural diversity. This volume still revolves around Amir Halgal, a young bride from a Turkic tribe, and her life with her husband, Karluk, in a small village.
Amir stands out to me the most for her strong-willed and independent nature. She challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in her new home, where women typically play more traditional roles. Her determination to adapt to her new life, learn new customs, and assert herself makes her a compelling character that I've grown quite attached to.
And let's not forget THE ART. Mori's meticulous attention to historical detail shines through in the intricate illustrations, which showcase the rich tapestry of Central Asian landscapes, clothing, and traditions. Her drawings feature ornate patterns on clothing, detailed interior settings, and meticulously researched historical elements. This level of detail breathes life into the world she created, making them feel authentic and immersive. She even delves deep into research, ensuring that the clothing, customs, and settings in her stories accurately represent the cultures and historical eras she portrays. I find myself unable to turn a page without staring at every panel because of how detailed and astonishing her art is. How does she even do it?
But it's not just the precision of her artwork that sets her apart; it's the emotional depth she conveys through her illustrations. Her art is not just decorative--- it is integral to the storytelling. It helps convey the characters' feelings and thoughts, making the story come alive visually.
Overall, this manga is a captivating blend of romance, historical fiction, and cultural anthropology. Kaoru Mori's dedication to research and artistry results in a work that is not only visually stunning but also intellectually engaging.
Amir stands out to me the most for her strong-willed and independent nature. She challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in her new home, where women typically play more traditional roles. Her determination to adapt to her new life, learn new customs, and assert herself makes her a compelling character that I've grown quite attached to.
And let's not forget THE ART. Mori's meticulous attention to historical detail shines through in the intricate illustrations, which showcase the rich tapestry of Central Asian landscapes, clothing, and traditions. Her drawings feature ornate patterns on clothing, detailed interior settings, and meticulously researched historical elements. This level of detail breathes life into the world she created, making them feel authentic and immersive. She even delves deep into research, ensuring that the clothing, customs, and settings in her stories accurately represent the cultures and historical eras she portrays. I find myself unable to turn a page without staring at every panel because of how detailed and astonishing her art is. How does she even do it?
But it's not just the precision of her artwork that sets her apart; it's the emotional depth she conveys through her illustrations. Her art is not just decorative--- it is integral to the storytelling. It helps convey the characters' feelings and thoughts, making the story come alive visually.
Overall, this manga is a captivating blend of romance, historical fiction, and cultural anthropology. Kaoru Mori's dedication to research and artistry results in a work that is not only visually stunning but also intellectually engaging.
December 21, 2022
Takie przyjemne, o.
To taka manga, z której można się dużo dowiedzieć o stepowych ludach, ma śliczne rysunki, na które się nie mogę napatrzeć i po prostu sympatyczne postacie.
Ale fabuły tu za dużo nie znajdziecie, po prostu traktujcie to jako taką miłą i niezobowiązującą rozrywkę. Więc czekam na 3 tom, gdzie podobno ma się zmienić panna młoda (!!!).
A, no i przykro mi strasznie, że Amira to taka super baba, strzela z łuku, poluje na zwierzynę, jest śliczna i super haftuje, ale za to jest delikatna, uległa i taka nijaka :<< bo spodziewałam się, że będzie mniej posłuszna i się zawiodłam dość, no ale cóż.
To taka manga, z której można się dużo dowiedzieć o stepowych ludach, ma śliczne rysunki, na które się nie mogę napatrzeć i po prostu sympatyczne postacie.
Ale fabuły tu za dużo nie znajdziecie, po prostu traktujcie to jako taką miłą i niezobowiązującą rozrywkę. Więc czekam na 3 tom, gdzie podobno ma się zmienić panna młoda (!!!).
A, no i przykro mi strasznie, że Amira to taka super baba, strzela z łuku, poluje na zwierzynę, jest śliczna i super haftuje, ale za to jest delikatna, uległa i taka nijaka :<< bo spodziewałam się, że będzie mniej posłuszna i się zawiodłam dość, no ale cóż.
August 8, 2017
I'll keep this one short and not repeat all my gushing from my review of the first volume of this Manga series.
The art continues to be superb, the story is engaging, and I got used to all those huge Manga eyes. I love that this story educates about the culture without being heavy handed. Those scenes around the value of sewing, embroidery and dowry cloth are wonderful. Plus, we get introduced to more feisty female characters. Just loved everything about this one.
The art continues to be superb, the story is engaging, and I got used to all those huge Manga eyes. I love that this story educates about the culture without being heavy handed. Those scenes around the value of sewing, embroidery and dowry cloth are wonderful. Plus, we get introduced to more feisty female characters. Just loved everything about this one.
Read
April 6, 2025This is a terrific continuation of the story—very different in some ways than Volume 1, with more emphasis on conflict (and I don't refer only to the fact that there's a battle), and this develops characters and relationships in interesting and moving ways. (It's impossible for me to pick a favorite between Volume 1 and 2; I enjoyed the former somewhat more in the act of reading, but I find that in the post-reading phase, both sit with me equally memorably.)
Read
February 14, 2025This has to be one of the prettiest manga I've read in a while
June 26, 2020
4,5
Questo manga è davvero bellissimo, i disegni sono spettacolari (sia quelli dei paesaggi, ma soprattutto quelli di vestiti, tessuti e gioielli, con dettagli estremamente curati) e anche la storia è molto interessante, vista anche l'ambientazione molto particolare.
Le avventure per Amira e il suo giovane sposo non sono ancora finite: infatti, la famiglia della ragazza torna di nuovo alla carica per riprendersela e darla in sposa ad un altro clan. Questa è la volontà di suo padre e una figlia è sottomessa alle decisioni del genitore. Tanto più che Amira e Karluk non hanno ancora figli. Quindi non ci dovrebbero essere problemi, giusto? Sbagliato. Tanto per incominciare, non c'è solo l'affetto che lega i due coniugi (che spingerà Karluk a difendere la moglie), ma anche l'attaccamento che la giovane sposa prova per la famiglia del marito e viceversa. E poi c'è anche una questione di orgoglio, con gli abitanti della città che non hanno alcuna intenzione di accettare l'intromissione di un gruppetto di stranieri nella loro comunità. Ergo, i fratelli di Amira Amira torneranno indietro a mani vuote e con le pive nel sacco.
Altro protagonista del volume è Smith, l'esploratore inglese ospite della famiglia di Karluk, che continua a raccogliere testimonianze sulle usanze locali, come quella del corredo di tessuti - a cui ogni donna inizia a lavorare da bambina in vista del suo matrimonio. I motivi dei vari ricami raccontano una storia che si snoda tra le diverse generazioni e che unisce tutte le donne della famiglia.
Alla fine, Smith si rimette in viaggio (tenendosi per lontano dal confine con la Russia, visti i rapporti difficili con l'Inghilterra) e, a quanto pare, seguiremo il suo percorso e faremo la conoscenza di nuove spose. Non vedo l'ora.
Questo manga è davvero bellissimo, i disegni sono spettacolari (sia quelli dei paesaggi, ma soprattutto quelli di vestiti, tessuti e gioielli, con dettagli estremamente curati) e anche la storia è molto interessante, vista anche l'ambientazione molto particolare.
Le avventure per Amira e il suo giovane sposo non sono ancora finite: infatti, la famiglia della ragazza torna di nuovo alla carica per riprendersela e darla in sposa ad un altro clan. Questa è la volontà di suo padre e una figlia è sottomessa alle decisioni del genitore. Tanto più che Amira e Karluk non hanno ancora figli. Quindi non ci dovrebbero essere problemi, giusto? Sbagliato. Tanto per incominciare, non c'è solo l'affetto che lega i due coniugi (che spingerà Karluk a difendere la moglie), ma anche l'attaccamento che la giovane sposa prova per la famiglia del marito e viceversa. E poi c'è anche una questione di orgoglio, con gli abitanti della città che non hanno alcuna intenzione di accettare l'intromissione di un gruppetto di stranieri nella loro comunità. Ergo, i fratelli di Amira Amira torneranno indietro a mani vuote e con le pive nel sacco.
Altro protagonista del volume è Smith, l'esploratore inglese ospite della famiglia di Karluk, che continua a raccogliere testimonianze sulle usanze locali, come quella del corredo di tessuti - a cui ogni donna inizia a lavorare da bambina in vista del suo matrimonio. I motivi dei vari ricami raccontano una storia che si snoda tra le diverse generazioni e che unisce tutte le donne della famiglia.
Alla fine, Smith si rimette in viaggio (tenendosi per lontano dal confine con la Russia, visti i rapporti difficili con l'Inghilterra) e, a quanto pare, seguiremo il suo percorso e faremo la conoscenza di nuove spose. Non vedo l'ora.
August 16, 2014
A Bride's Story is a slice of life story and this volume stands pretty well on it's own, with the key situational elements easy to pick up on. That said it is a direct continuation from volume 1 and features the same characters, so it's best to start there.
** This review contains no spoilers either volume. **
Volume 2 continues to follow Amir as she adjusts to life in her new village with her young husband and new family. The first half picks up the pace a bit from volume 1. The spotlight is on Amir further integrating into her new home and the ties she's formed, culminating in a touchy political situation with her former family boiling over. As always Mori's focus is firmly on the characters and everything evolves naturally from their reactions to unfolding events. The second half quiets down again with enchanting chapters about swirling emotions and the weight of tradition, and ends with a change in the status quo. I really enjoyed everything here, and it's little character moments and the depth of emotion conveyed that elevates this manga to something unique and special. The accessibility Mori gives to a time period and way of life that is very strange to today's mindset is a wonderful accomplishment in itself.
Adding to A Bride's Story's impressiveness is the most amazing art I've ever seen. Perfect composition and flow, an absurd level of detail, and incredible facial expressions and body language. Every panel of every page is carefully designed and of extremely high quality.
Overall the second volume of A Bride's Story is just as great as the first and expands its engaging look into Amir and Karluk's world and lives.
** This review contains no spoilers either volume. **
Volume 2 continues to follow Amir as she adjusts to life in her new village with her young husband and new family. The first half picks up the pace a bit from volume 1. The spotlight is on Amir further integrating into her new home and the ties she's formed, culminating in a touchy political situation with her former family boiling over. As always Mori's focus is firmly on the characters and everything evolves naturally from their reactions to unfolding events. The second half quiets down again with enchanting chapters about swirling emotions and the weight of tradition, and ends with a change in the status quo. I really enjoyed everything here, and it's little character moments and the depth of emotion conveyed that elevates this manga to something unique and special. The accessibility Mori gives to a time period and way of life that is very strange to today's mindset is a wonderful accomplishment in itself.
Adding to A Bride's Story's impressiveness is the most amazing art I've ever seen. Perfect composition and flow, an absurd level of detail, and incredible facial expressions and body language. Every panel of every page is carefully designed and of extremely high quality.
Overall the second volume of A Bride's Story is just as great as the first and expands its engaging look into Amir and Karluk's world and lives.
November 30, 2016
Volume 2 resumes the conflict from Vol. 1 in which Amir's family attempts to reclaim her, take her back from the family she married into. Her older brother Azel, though, doesn't pursue her with the intensity their uncles want him to, and that's because the family they want to marry her into is not kind to their women. So Amir's uncles stage an attack on Karluk's village, and the villagers fight them off. This brings some action scenes to the story, all still beautifully and dynamically drawn.
Amir and Karluk continue to grow fonder for each other, and she's extra protective as he's just gotten over a bad cold. We are also introduced to a new character, a feisty girl named Pariya. She tells Amir that because of her feistiness no family has agreed to take her as a wife yet. Her story will continue in the next volumes.
What I love about this series is the gently educational aspect. It's seen especially in part of this volume where the women prepare Karluk's niece for sewing and embroidering her dowry cloth. You learn the importance of embroidering cloth, that it can show the status of a clan, and can be more valuable than money. A girl's prospects rise with the quality of her cloth skills. We also get little geopolitical relations peppered into the narrative, such as Russia's encroaching dominance and politics between Central Asian clans.
Finally, another character central to this series is a British researcher, Mr. Smith, who has been living with Karluk's family. In this volume, he decides to leave the hospitality of the family in order to travel to the city he originally meant to go, and so we'll see more of him in other volumes as his story is told.
Amir and Karluk continue to grow fonder for each other, and she's extra protective as he's just gotten over a bad cold. We are also introduced to a new character, a feisty girl named Pariya. She tells Amir that because of her feistiness no family has agreed to take her as a wife yet. Her story will continue in the next volumes.
What I love about this series is the gently educational aspect. It's seen especially in part of this volume where the women prepare Karluk's niece for sewing and embroidering her dowry cloth. You learn the importance of embroidering cloth, that it can show the status of a clan, and can be more valuable than money. A girl's prospects rise with the quality of her cloth skills. We also get little geopolitical relations peppered into the narrative, such as Russia's encroaching dominance and politics between Central Asian clans.
Finally, another character central to this series is a British researcher, Mr. Smith, who has been living with Karluk's family. In this volume, he decides to leave the hospitality of the family in order to travel to the city he originally meant to go, and so we'll see more of him in other volumes as his story is told.
October 19, 2012
This manga is a historical romance set in a small town near the Caspian Sea in the 19th Century. Otoyogematari means "A Bride's Story" in English, so the stories revolve around courting, weddings, and married life of the people during that time period.
The illustrations are beautiful! Kaori Mori goes all out on the elaborate clothing and draperies that adorn the characters and their houses. The backgrounds are lovely and Mori certainly does not skimp on inking the endlessly long, dark hair of every woman in the series.
Throughout the series Mori touches on issues such as war, the inequality of women, and poverty, but the overall story remains solidly lighthearted.
The stories cycle through several different families, but they are all connected with reappearing characters and a central plot line.
There are some themes in this manga that are commonly used in shojo. There is a tsundere, an age gap in the central couple's relationship, the one Westerner, bath scenes, and the one endlessly patient, generous, kind, obedient female character that seems to be the model for all women to follow.
Despite those commonplace subjects, Otoyomegatari overall is a manga unlike one I have ever read before. The setting and time period sets it apart, and the author goes into detail about the culture and practices of the people in Central Asia. I can speak very little on the accuracy of it all, though.
I would recommend this series with beginners and seasoned manga readers alike, although the right-to-left format may throw off those who are new to traditional manga.
The illustrations are beautiful! Kaori Mori goes all out on the elaborate clothing and draperies that adorn the characters and their houses. The backgrounds are lovely and Mori certainly does not skimp on inking the endlessly long, dark hair of every woman in the series.
Throughout the series Mori touches on issues such as war, the inequality of women, and poverty, but the overall story remains solidly lighthearted.
The stories cycle through several different families, but they are all connected with reappearing characters and a central plot line.
There are some themes in this manga that are commonly used in shojo. There is a tsundere, an age gap in the central couple's relationship, the one Westerner, bath scenes, and the one endlessly patient, generous, kind, obedient female character that seems to be the model for all women to follow.
Despite those commonplace subjects, Otoyomegatari overall is a manga unlike one I have ever read before. The setting and time period sets it apart, and the author goes into detail about the culture and practices of the people in Central Asia. I can speak very little on the accuracy of it all, though.
I would recommend this series with beginners and seasoned manga readers alike, although the right-to-left format may throw off those who are new to traditional manga.
March 27, 2020
Another lovely volume, this collection expands upon Amir’s circle; we see more of the women and their lives. The story dealing with the place of embroidery as an example really struck me and reminded me of home - not because that is how we deal with embroidery but it felt real and feminine. This does not happen often (especially in more male centric historical fiction) so I was so glad to find this.
This volume is more action packed with the Bride’s old family wanting to take her back and marry her off to someone else. When she and her new family refuse, her old clan decides to take matters into their own hands. The action is not excessive but provides a burst of plot which was interesting.
The collection also introduces Mr. Smith, a travelling scholar who is staying with Amir and her family. The book ends with Mr. Smith heading out for the next area / town. So while we will get to see different families and stories and I am a little sad to be leaving Amir and her husband behind.
Looking forward to Book 3!!
This volume is more action packed with the Bride’s old family wanting to take her back and marry her off to someone else. When she and her new family refuse, her old clan decides to take matters into their own hands. The action is not excessive but provides a burst of plot which was interesting.
The collection also introduces Mr. Smith, a travelling scholar who is staying with Amir and her family. The book ends with Mr. Smith heading out for the next area / town. So while we will get to see different families and stories and I am a little sad to be leaving Amir and her husband behind.
Looking forward to Book 3!!
March 21, 2014
The artwork continues to delight and amaze me. There was a chapter where the women were discussing embroidery and different patterns that were associated with their family. The detail in those panels was so wonderful.
The story does not move at the rapid-fire pace some manga does, but it does advance. Amir's relatives have not given up their attempts to bring her back to the clan so they can marry her off to someone else whom they consider to be more advantageous.
I have Volume 3 arriving soon and will be ordering the final two before long. I have a feeling this is one series that I will be sorry to see come to an end.
The story does not move at the rapid-fire pace some manga does, but it does advance. Amir's relatives have not given up their attempts to bring her back to the clan so they can marry her off to someone else whom they consider to be more advantageous.
I have Volume 3 arriving soon and will be ordering the final two before long. I have a feeling this is one series that I will be sorry to see come to an end.
January 30, 2016
2nd volume slightly better than the first because we get to learn about the embroidery of the women and see a culture from the perspective of the Western male. The WM is a visiting sociologist? or maybe just a man interested in Asian cultures? He is watching and chronicling life with the clan and so notices detail.
Fantastic art, great characters, empathetic, gentle, loving relationships within families with hints of anger and violence from external sources. Life is political but also deeply habitual and comfortable.
Love this series.
Fantastic art, great characters, empathetic, gentle, loving relationships within families with hints of anger and violence from external sources. Life is political but also deeply habitual and comfortable.
Love this series.
August 24, 2021
I'm so glad that I continued reading this series! I love how Amir's character is adjusting to her new life and connecting with those around her. In this volume, tensions with Amir's former clan increase greatly, cultural elements and activities are highlighted, and Mr. Smith's habits gain a focus as well. And, as usual, the art continues to contain vivid detail. Even though everything is in black and white, the pictures sometimes seem to jump out of the pages.
May 3, 2018
I'm surprised at how invested I am in this story.
Normally I'm not big on stories like this, but something has hocked me, sinker and all.
The art style is so detailed and beautiful. I can sit and look at one picture for long minutes at a time before moving on in the story.
The story in itself is contemporary, but I've rather fallen for Amir, and I really want to know where this story ends!
Normally I'm not big on stories like this, but something has hocked me, sinker and all.
The art style is so detailed and beautiful. I can sit and look at one picture for long minutes at a time before moving on in the story.
The story in itself is contemporary, but I've rather fallen for Amir, and I really want to know where this story ends!
February 4, 2021
A bit less slice-of-life than the first book.
Amir's family try to take her back to fulfill another marriage alliance -- the earlier bride died -- and violence ensues. Then various adventures in family life, including a girl learning about the history of the embroidery she hates.
Mr. Smith gets letters, which hint at his significance for the series.
Amir's family try to take her back to fulfill another marriage alliance -- the earlier bride died -- and violence ensues. Then various adventures in family life, including a girl learning about the history of the embroidery she hates.
Mr. Smith gets letters, which hint at his significance for the series.
Read
March 16, 2015I can stare at the artwork all day. Just beautiful! And I know some may think the plot is slow, but I do like how each chapter shines a light on different aspects of the culture, and the characters, and the life that these people lead.Also, Amir is becoming one of my favorite characters of all time: love and appreciate how strong she is.
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