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乙嫁語り [Otoyomegatari] #12
Bride Stories, tome 12
Une fresque épique, humaine et tendre à la fois dont on ressort ému, mais le coeur gonflé d'énergie !
Malgré les mises en garde de son ami Hawkins, Smith persévère dans son projet et se prépare à reprendre la route, cette fois-ci en sens inverse ! Son but est double : revoir les familles qui l'ont accueilli à bras ouverts lors de son périple, mais aussi les prendre en photo afin de garder d'elles une trace durable.
Muni de son appareil, l'explorateur arrive à Antalya, escorté par Ali, Talas et Nikolovski, puis continue son chemin jusqu'en Perse. L'occasion pour sa future épouse de rencontrer à son tour les personnes qu'il avait croisées lors de son précédent voyage...
Malgré les mises en garde de son ami Hawkins, Smith persévère dans son projet et se prépare à reprendre la route, cette fois-ci en sens inverse ! Son but est double : revoir les familles qui l'ont accueilli à bras ouverts lors de son périple, mais aussi les prendre en photo afin de garder d'elles une trace durable.
Muni de son appareil, l'explorateur arrive à Antalya, escorté par Ali, Talas et Nikolovski, puis continue son chemin jusqu'en Perse. L'occasion pour sa future épouse de rencontrer à son tour les personnes qu'il avait croisées lors de son précédent voyage...
182 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2019
15 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Kaoru Mori
101 books856 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 128 reviews
January 1, 2021
Often it is a little frustrating to read comics series a volume at a time over a number of years, especially if the work is action-based. But I have been reading this series for many years and am perfectly comfortable with reading at its slower, adult pace. It's a meticulously drawn and historically researched story of the nineteenth-century Silk Road, with a focus on girls who are sometimes (and usually happily) betrothed at an early age (some boys are also betrothed in these arranged marriages, too). Increasingly, the focus is on the diversity of cultures at that time and place. In a brief afterword manga, Kaoru Mori tells us that in her drive for accuracy of detail and historical resonance that she hs now traveled to five countries in this region, which she really loves.
Smith, the American anthropologist, now also betrothed to a woman in the region, seems just about ready to go home. He's been photographing and writing cultural linguistics (which makes him close to Mori, an outsider interested in language and culture). Some gender stereotypes are lightly challenged here about who really gets to make societal choices, but the story shows us, again and again, that it is women, working together, that get to make a lot of choices for themselves and to support each other. One site is the baths where the women and girls talk together, share knowledge, develop friendships, and gain some sense of solidarity.
in the way of cultural anthropology, we see in various chapters what these folks do in their spare time (yes, they can be b00000red just as anyone else) (and: Cute cats!!); we see differences in class and nationality between the girls along the Silk Road. Lovely, often sweet stories; a fun and interesting learning experience, with beautiful drawing.
Smith, the American anthropologist, now also betrothed to a woman in the region, seems just about ready to go home. He's been photographing and writing cultural linguistics (which makes him close to Mori, an outsider interested in language and culture). Some gender stereotypes are lightly challenged here about who really gets to make societal choices, but the story shows us, again and again, that it is women, working together, that get to make a lot of choices for themselves and to support each other. One site is the baths where the women and girls talk together, share knowledge, develop friendships, and gain some sense of solidarity.
in the way of cultural anthropology, we see in various chapters what these folks do in their spare time (yes, they can be b00000red just as anyone else) (and: Cute cats!!); we see differences in class and nationality between the girls along the Silk Road. Lovely, often sweet stories; a fun and interesting learning experience, with beautiful drawing.
March 28, 2017
A friend challenged me to find manga recommendations for a non-manga reader like him. This is probably one of them. Otoyomegatari (or 'A Bride's Story') an exotic cross between historical romance/slice of life, The Travels of Marco Polo, and National Geographic. It has such exquisite and detailed artwork that I know will appeal to my artistic friend. But most of all, has that Kaoru Mori (one of my favorite mangakas, by the way) distinction of having interesting female characters having the time of their lives in the 19th century.
September 26, 2020
It's amazing how Mori can make a volume where almost nothing happens still so compelling and beautiful. Mori also displays everyone and all cultures with empathy and kindness. The meandering stories, glimpses into the lives of secondary characters, and cute kitten adventures are no doubt building up to a larger conflict on the horizon.
July 11, 2020
This volume had even more beautiful pages than I'd expect and of course it's a given everything is drawn meticulously and looks stunning in this series, so that's saying something! It was mostly because intricate floral decorations on bunch of pages. Lovely!
Storywise, there's first a little look at everyone we've met during the series and how they are killing time when there's nothing to do. It's the least interesting part of this volume but then the rest is awesome when Smith and Talas arrive to the house where Anis and Shireen live. It was really nice to see these two again and their time with Talas was super lovely. I also liked the scene when Talas and Smith talked about travelling and culture; the story of Westeners in East or elsewhere is so often a story of colonialism or such, and has its problems, but genuine interest and want to learn and preserve history and culture with respect is a different thing.
Talas has indeed turned out to be much more interesting character than she looked initially and at the moment she's probably my favourite in the series. She's not flashy like some of the other characters but she has quiet courage which I like.
Storywise, there's first a little look at everyone we've met during the series and how they are killing time when there's nothing to do. It's the least interesting part of this volume but then the rest is awesome when Smith and Talas arrive to the house where Anis and Shireen live. It was really nice to see these two again and their time with Talas was super lovely. I also liked the scene when Talas and Smith talked about travelling and culture; the story of Westeners in East or elsewhere is so often a story of colonialism or such, and has its problems, but genuine interest and want to learn and preserve history and culture with respect is a different thing.
Talas has indeed turned out to be much more interesting character than she looked initially and at the moment she's probably my favourite in the series. She's not flashy like some of the other characters but she has quiet courage which I like.
October 4, 2021
A Bride Story
Como siempre un deleite leer, pero sore todo admirar el dibujo
4.5 star
Como siempre un deleite leer, pero sore todo admirar el dibujo
4.5 star
August 18, 2021
This is such a wonderful series. Set in the Caucasus Mountains of Turkmenistan in the 19th century, this series opens a window onto a world that's almost entirely foreign to us, and yet under Mori's skilled hand it feels familiar too. Mori's artwork is astounding - she draws the costumes, the scenery and the architecture of the period in loving and painstakingly accurate detail. It's a real feast for the eyes. She gives you a sense of the vast, spare beauty of the plains, as well as stuffing her pictures with tiny details most people would overlook. She draws movement and action better than any other artist I've seen - her running horses and bounding rabbits seem to leap off the page. And somehow, she puts an interesting story in there too. This first volume is mostly table-setting, but it takes off in the last chapter, and gallops away in the second volume.
The premise of the story is that a bride of 20 (quite old by the standards of the period) is married to a boy 8 years her junior. You'd think that would be all kinds of icky, but it's not at all. Mori is very careful with the story, and it never crosses the line into weirdness. The set-up also allows her to complicate the power dynamics - women were more or less under the complete control of their husbands then, but what happens when your husband is 12 years old? And what happens when that tenuous marriage is threatened? It's a great idea for a story, one that only works in this period and this place, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
The premise of the story is that a bride of 20 (quite old by the standards of the period) is married to a boy 8 years her junior. You'd think that would be all kinds of icky, but it's not at all. Mori is very careful with the story, and it never crosses the line into weirdness. The set-up also allows her to complicate the power dynamics - women were more or less under the complete control of their husbands then, but what happens when your husband is 12 years old? And what happens when that tenuous marriage is threatened? It's a great idea for a story, one that only works in this period and this place, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 8, 2022
This is a very slow-moving series and most of these chapters were filler stories (especially the first few chapters, which show what the characters do on the rare occasion when they have nothing to do/are bored out of their minds).
As always though, the drawings are beautiful, especially when it comes to clothing and architectural details. It's clear that every part of the story was well researched, and these 'filler stories' help the readers get a glimpse of the everyday lives and interactions between men and women in various parts of Central Asia in the late 19th century and help the readers connect with the characters even more. We also get to see how different villages and areas share cultural similarities and differences.
I particularly enjoy the moments when Smith uses his camera not only to document his research but to help capture important moments in the lives of the people he meets and help spread joy in the process.
As always though, the drawings are beautiful, especially when it comes to clothing and architectural details. It's clear that every part of the story was well researched, and these 'filler stories' help the readers get a glimpse of the everyday lives and interactions between men and women in various parts of Central Asia in the late 19th century and help the readers connect with the characters even more. We also get to see how different villages and areas share cultural similarities and differences.
I particularly enjoy the moments when Smith uses his camera not only to document his research but to help capture important moments in the lives of the people he meets and help spread joy in the process.
January 22, 2022
Diving into yet another volume of this manga is a sheer delight. At times I found myself moved almost to tears by the beauty leaping off the pages. I love the slow pace.
Longing for the next one now…
Longing for the next one now…
December 18, 2020
Comme à chaque tome, ce manga est un vrai régal visuel avec un dessin somptueux !
Cette série est un véritable coup de cœur.
Cette série est un véritable coup de cœur.
August 7, 2021
Time is a weird concept. Sometimes it passes fast, and sometimes it passes slowly. But the only way to tell for sure how much has passed is with a watch or a clock. So, without a watch or a clock, time is divided into different sections: day / night, morning / evening, action / stillness, going / waiting. Even then it passes differently if you're alone than when you're with people. Or with an adorably rambunctious kitten.
Anyway, Mr. Smith as made it to his first stop on his return trip, the home of Anis and Sherine. He runs into a little bit of a hiccup with his plan to take photos because he's never met the women and he's not allowed in that section of the house. Fortunately, Talas volunteers to take pictures for him.
After Mr. Smith's group leaves, Anis and Sherine visit the public baths again to share with everyone the exciting new stories from their guest.
Also, there's a funny bit in the middle where Yusef and Seleke try to have some mommy/daddy time, but get interrupted by the precious baby Rostem. Please, Yusef, don't corrupt the innocent bean.
Anyway, Mr. Smith as made it to his first stop on his return trip, the home of Anis and Sherine. He runs into a little bit of a hiccup with his plan to take photos because he's never met the women and he's not allowed in that section of the house. Fortunately, Talas volunteers to take pictures for him.
After Mr. Smith's group leaves, Anis and Sherine visit the public baths again to share with everyone the exciting new stories from their guest.
Also, there's a funny bit in the middle where Yusef and Seleke try to have some mommy/daddy time, but get interrupted by the precious baby Rostem. Please, Yusef, don't corrupt the innocent bean.
August 16, 2021
This manga is a series I've followed since around 2017. I've posted about this series in the group before. The author is noted for her research of history and culture and her attention to detail in her intricate artwork. This volume does not disappoint. There is the continuation of several sub plots and a larger look at the society and culture of the Silk Road in 19th century.
One story I noticed in particular was the controlling aspect of men/patriarchy in their society, and how women were held back because of it, but it seems they just accepted it as how things were. We take so many freedoms for granted. In order to teach literacy, the women have to do it in private, away from their homes, in a public bath house. Most likely, the men wouldn't approve, and the husband of two of the women (featured on the front cover; polygamy was allowed in their culture) didn't want to be responsible for having other women taught in their home.
Because the above occurs in a bathhouse, there is female nudity, but not in a sensual way. The author seems to value accuracy and authenticity, and it would be incongruous to abandon it in the setting of a bathhouse.
One story I noticed in particular was the controlling aspect of men/patriarchy in their society, and how women were held back because of it, but it seems they just accepted it as how things were. We take so many freedoms for granted. In order to teach literacy, the women have to do it in private, away from their homes, in a public bath house. Most likely, the men wouldn't approve, and the husband of two of the women (featured on the front cover; polygamy was allowed in their culture) didn't want to be responsible for having other women taught in their home.
Because the above occurs in a bathhouse, there is female nudity, but not in a sensual way. The author seems to value accuracy and authenticity, and it would be incongruous to abandon it in the setting of a bathhouse.
January 2, 2022
As always, Kaoru Mori puts a smile on my face.
Her artwork is so detailed! IT'S SO PRETTY!!!! SO MUCH EFFORT WENT INTO EACH PANEL THAT I SWEAR I COULD SPEND DAYS ADMIRING EACH ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
And the characters. THE CHARACTERS. There are so many in this series, and yet each and every one has made enough of an impression on me that even years after seeing them, I still know exactly who they are when they appear for a brief segment.
I know I say this every time I read anything by Kaoru Mori and gush about it, but if you haven't picked up this series yet, you really need to.
Her artwork is so detailed! IT'S SO PRETTY!!!! SO MUCH EFFORT WENT INTO EACH PANEL THAT I SWEAR I COULD SPEND DAYS ADMIRING EACH ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
And the characters. THE CHARACTERS. There are so many in this series, and yet each and every one has made enough of an impression on me that even years after seeing them, I still know exactly who they are when they appear for a brief segment.
I know I say this every time I read anything by Kaoru Mori and gush about it, but if you haven't picked up this series yet, you really need to.
November 7, 2020
*SWOON*.
The artwork in this volume was SO beautiful, and I feel like we're really getting back to point of the original storylines!!! It was fun to see 'snippets' of the goings ons in all the lives of characters we have met.
I was so glad that Talas was able to visit with Anis and Sherine, that really added to the story.
The artwork in this volume was SO beautiful, and I feel like we're really getting back to point of the original storylines!!! It was fun to see 'snippets' of the goings ons in all the lives of characters we have met.
I was so glad that Talas was able to visit with Anis and Sherine, that really added to the story.
February 18, 2021
ahhh, mori's work is gorgeous as ever. i really liked the first couple chapters focusing on what all the characters did when bored -- it's the detailed slice of life energy for me 🥰 second half was also great. anis and sherine are some of my favorite characters so i really enjoyed getting to see more of them and their interactions with talas
5 stars
5 stars
December 2, 2021
More beautiful art. First part of this volume is super slice of life. I enjoyed the scenes of Mr. Smith using his camera and creating photographs. There was something about that which felt both nostalgic and timeless. One of the chapters takes place in the bathhouse so watch out if nudity bothers you.
October 19, 2022
El viaje de Smith y Talas se aprovecha para volver a Anis y Shirin, recrear un entorno idílico de relaciones entre mujeres (y sus hombres) en la Persia del XIX y tocar de nuevo el tema de la fotografía en sus primeros tiempos. Esto se acompaña con pequeñas estampas cotidianas del resto de personajes. Tomo de transición.
September 4, 2021
As always, the art is beautiful! However, this volume was just less interesting for me, plot-wise. The first two chapters are literally about different characters being bored. Also, this volume does not feature Amir very much and she's my favorite 😢
May 22, 2017
*happy sigh*
I LOVED IT. PLEASE READ IT.
Full review here !
I LOVED IT. PLEASE READ IT.
Full review here !
June 2, 2021
Beautiful and winding volume. We touch on almost all the characters with a very Mori focus on beauty.
June 13, 2021
I love this series! I am reading it about as slowly as possible to make the enjoyment last.
December 31, 2021
I love how beautiful Kaoru Mori's artwork is, and I really enjoy seeing more of the previous cast and Mr. Smith working.
September 21, 2024
It was nice to come back to this series. I read the first one back in August 2020. And the last one in November of 2020. I don't remember much of these. But I remember Mr. Smith and his not quite wife. And that perhaps they are headed back to England or not. The art is beautiful. And though not much happens in this one, we do get a much better look at the lives of the women in our current spot. 3.5 of 5
June 7, 2023
ILS FONT DES TUTOS DANS TOUS LES SENS C'EST TROP BIEN
August 19, 2024
ce manga va me ruiner
October 24, 2020
A l’exception de quelques passages très localisés, Bride Stories n’a jamais été un manga particulièrement remuant, préférant se focaliser sur ses personnages.
C’est encore plus marquant avec ce tome dont une bonne partie est passée avec des gens qui s’ennuient. Mais comme ça permet de retourner vers des personnages qu’on n’a plus vu depuis un petit moment, ça ne m’a pas vraiment dérangé.
La deuxième partie revient vers Smith et Talas qui continuent leur voyage en compagnie d’Ali et Nikolovski jusqu’à Antalia. C’est encore une fois très tranquille mais j’ai aimé ce retour chez Anis et sa sœur conjointe parce qu’on a rarement eu l’occasion de voir dans ce manga des femmes venant de culture différente dialoguer entre elles.
C’est un bon prétexte pour faire se rencontrer des opinions différentes mais toujours dans un grand respect mutuel, et c’est aussi le moment où le tome retrouve le plus de dialogues alors qu’il y en avait très peu eu jusque là et de parler de solidarité féminine.
C’est aussi la première fois qu’on voit réellement la famille de Smith en Angleterre et j’avoue que je ne sais pas encore trop quoi penser de ce passage parce que j’ai vraiment du mal à voir comment Talas va pouvoir être acceptée parmi eux et ça m’inquiète beaucoup pour elle.
Toujours porté par un graphisme ébouriffant, avec des planches sublimes bordées de fleurs, ce tome prend un peu plus son temps pour raconter le retour de Smith vers le village d’Amir et Karluk. Je suppose que le prochain arrêt sera chez les jumelles et même si je ne les apprécie pas beaucoup, je serai bien sur au rendez-vous avec beaucoup de plaisir.
C’est encore plus marquant avec ce tome dont une bonne partie est passée avec des gens qui s’ennuient. Mais comme ça permet de retourner vers des personnages qu’on n’a plus vu depuis un petit moment, ça ne m’a pas vraiment dérangé.
La deuxième partie revient vers Smith et Talas qui continuent leur voyage en compagnie d’Ali et Nikolovski jusqu’à Antalia. C’est encore une fois très tranquille mais j’ai aimé ce retour chez Anis et sa sœur conjointe parce qu’on a rarement eu l’occasion de voir dans ce manga des femmes venant de culture différente dialoguer entre elles.
C’est un bon prétexte pour faire se rencontrer des opinions différentes mais toujours dans un grand respect mutuel, et c’est aussi le moment où le tome retrouve le plus de dialogues alors qu’il y en avait très peu eu jusque là et de parler de solidarité féminine.
C’est aussi la première fois qu’on voit réellement la famille de Smith en Angleterre et j’avoue que je ne sais pas encore trop quoi penser de ce passage parce que j’ai vraiment du mal à voir comment Talas va pouvoir être acceptée parmi eux et ça m’inquiète beaucoup pour elle.
Toujours porté par un graphisme ébouriffant, avec des planches sublimes bordées de fleurs, ce tome prend un peu plus son temps pour raconter le retour de Smith vers le village d’Amir et Karluk. Je suppose que le prochain arrêt sera chez les jumelles et même si je ne les apprécie pas beaucoup, je serai bien sur au rendez-vous avec beaucoup de plaisir.
April 18, 2021
Bon et bien j'ai tout simplement dévoré et adoré cette série. Hâte que le tome 13 sorte 💫
November 2, 2020
Every review for this series is just going to me saying how gorgeous each panel is! Mori is a mangka genius! There was one panel of a stallion that was just stunning! The plot isn't super thrilling, and this volume shows life more in "slow motion." Lazy days and photographs are the two themes of this book. Glad to see all the characters in this one!
March 31, 2022
As always, the artwork was beautiful, and the story was peaceful and nuanced.
October 28, 2020
Beautiful as always
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews