A bride’s story vol 2 by Kaoru Mori

Amir and Karluk, along with their family and village, must fend off another attempt by Amir’s father to seize her and bring her back to become someone else’s bride. Amir is to be given to a clan of men who treat their women horribly, and their reputation is known far and wide. Amir and Karluk, along with another new friend, show Mr. Smith, an explorer, some of the sights, including a shrine that women would visit if they are wishing to become pregnant. Amir's family interrupts the outing in another attempt to take her back. Mr. Smith records much of the daily life of Karluck’s family, and investigates further after the tradition of “cloth preparations” is discussed.

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This volume has a little bit less of the slice-of-life feel as all of the chapters build upon the previous in some way. I want to know more about how Amir was raised. Her entire family, aside from her older brother, seems completely heartless and mean. Her brother at least understands some of the necessities of their societal set up, but he cares for Amir and wants her to be happy. How did these two escape becoming jaded and fierce like the rest of the family? Mori's beautiful illustration really shines in this volume as we explore “cloth preparations” - embroidered fine linens that girls work on for their unmarried lives and take with them as a dowry. The embroidery patterns showcased are works of art themselves, and Mori beautifully captures them in her detailed style. 

There is one two-page section of Amir bathing where you see her completely naked from the waste up in several panels.

Sara’s Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12

Publisher: Yen Press
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
ISBN: 9780316194464 (Hardcover)

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Historical Fiction, Family, Yen Press