Imagine yourself exploring foreign lands and being in awe from experiencing breathtaking scenery and immersing yourself in a new culture. This is exactly what Mori Karou’s story, Otoyomegatari, does to you. Through her exceptional art and recounting of ‘bride’s stories’, she transports you to 19th century Central Asia and you embark on a journey into new lands.

Just as a point of warning, as much of a romance manga, it is also a manga which wants to introduce the reader to the culture and lifestyle of Central Asia during the 19th century. But by no means does this mean that the romance is weak. To give it its full duty, it is a romance which incorporates its surrounding environment of culture, religion, family and community. Hence, life in its entirety. This results in a more encompassing romance and story which is not simply about love. Consequently, it won’t be a soap opera but a relationship which could have occurred during that period in that place. Even though it borders on realism, it is infused with Mori’s ideal Central Asia which blends perfectly and becomes such a fascinating and cute story of lovers and their relationship.

The use of love stories as a medium and focus is masterful. While it is inherent that Mori’s overarching narrative is to enthrall and introduce the lifestyle of Central Asia, the focus on the ‘bridal stories’ of the region captures the reader to want to know more and more. It is fascinating in its portrayal of ‘love’. Due to it taking place in Central Asia, it carefully adheres to the cultural and religious traits of the region and time. Several being, arranged marriage, living with relatives, familial hierarchies and sense of community.

As a point of warning, though there is one main couple that the story line focuses on, Amir and Karluk, as the manga progresses, we are introduced to other brides which do not always connect or interact with the main couple. For those wanting a linear progression with just the main characters, the manga can get quite off focus. But for the others, the other brides are all very unique as they are of different regions and hence have a very different culture and way of finding love. Each ‘bride’s story’ is carefully fleshed out and hence does not act as a filler but is a great story in itself. The sub stories is written with as much passion as the main story line and which makes it enduring and enjoyable to read. The plethora of couples introduced does increase the experience as each are very different from each other and keeps the story very novel.

The story progression itself is contentious. On one hand, there is not much progression to be said of. The different ‘arcs’ of the story are usually separated from each other especially when introducing a new relationship. It is slow moving and takes its time to establish the characters and situation. But on the other hand, it can be said that this is the strength of the manga. It is very character based and is written to show the lifestyle of the brides in Central Asia. Because of this, the themes of relationships are very adult, (I refrain from using mature as that implies more of explicit content) expounding of realism through its portrayal of family responsibility, and culture. Because of the slow pace, there is intricate detail in portraying characters and lifestyles. Time does not pass quickly and changes that do happen are slow yet steady just like it is in real life.

This slow progression also builds the characters in familiarity. The characters are cute, enduring and quickly grow on you. The interactions, and dialogue between the characters are portrayed in a way which make you feel like you are there and are a part of the family. Each character has a distinct personality which differentiates them from each other and makes them feel alive. The character designs are done well, with no standardized characters. Everyone feels unique and different. The one problem is that because the story can jump from one couple to another, the longing to see a previously introduced character, while knowing they probably will not appear again, can be frustrating.

Conflict in the story which will develop the characters happen slowly and are hardly dramatic. It is also distinct as the conflicts are very culturally driven which means that if the reader is not versed in the culture of Central Asia during the 19th century (which I’m sure is pretty much most people), it presents the usual romantic conflicts in a novel fashion.

Above the characters, and plot, the very best of Mori Kaoru is her art. It is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Her aesthetic art form is not only spectacular but also entrancing. Every panel is drawn with purpose and intricate detail to always be immersing/entrancing for the reader. From the embroidery and design in the clothes, to the mouth-watering food and the decoration of the houses, just spending time enjoying the art is a pleasure. Mori’s passion for the culture and lifestyle of the region radiates from the panels and in turn mesmerizes the reader. She has thoroughly researched and even been to Central Asia to further her understanding of the region. This is especially the case with her drawings of the clothing. The clothes on the characters constantly change, each time with intricate detail and clarity. The quality of the art does not fall but only improves throughout the story. Oh and don’t forget to admire the cover page for each chapter. There are simply gorgeous.

As a point of criticism, Mori’s use of panel structure can be called mediocre at best. The panels are simple layout that are acceptable but do not stand out. It does not take away from the reading experience but does not add anything either. The only time when the panels are notable, is when Mori does character drawings which spans the entire length of the page and about half the width of the page. These drawings overlap the panel structure adding a fresh page to its usual panel layout. Sadly, they are rare but when they are drawn, be prepared to appreciate it for a long time.

Overall, Mori Kaoru’s blending of realism and idealism creates a world which you want to experience. You come to love her art with every single page. Otoyomegatari is a fun experience learning something new about the culture with every consecutive chapter. The pages ooze with her passion and enjoyment of showing the reader Central Asia. I would recommend Otoyomegatari for everyone, if not for experiencing and reading about romance from a different culture, but for the gorgeous art work which is just a joy to see.