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beatitude's review against another edition
3.0
This volume has the same structure as volume 3 - we check in briefly with Amir, Karluk and their family from the first two volumes, and then we join the English doctor on his trip across Turkic Central Asia. This time he ends up at the Aral Sea, where the action quickly moves away from him and onto the adventures of two twin girls who are desperate to get married.
I think it's great that Mori is exploring different areas and cultures in her story, and she does so with the same historical accuracy and attention to detail that made me fall in love with A Bride's Story in the first place. I loved learning about the village culture around the Aral sea, and how it differed from the other cultures we've seen in the series. But. I'm afraid that the doctor's adventures aren't all that interesting compared with Amir, Karluk and co. from the first two books. The two twin girls who dominate this volume are pretty dull, and the story quickly devolves into manga cliches, which the first three volumes avoided. I didn't find myself struggling to suspend my disbelief, but I did roll my eyes at the convenient way some plot points were resolved.
The most interesting bit for me was learning about the 'bride price'. This was a price paid by a groom's family to the bride's family, in sheep or gold. Some of the money went to the bride's family, but the bulk of the price went to the bride herself. It was her fortune for the rest of her life, which she owned independently and her husband was not allowed to touch. (So a good bride price was very important). Husband and wife were expected to contribute equally to the household expenses. By comparison with what was happening in parts Europe at around the same time with dowries, this was a really enlightened arrangement that afforded a high degree of independence to married women, and probably also encouraged them to be wise with spending. Learning about these kinds of things is what makes this series especially worthwhile to read.
The art of this volume is as brilliant as the rest, particularly in the early section where Maoru uses fighting wolves as a metaphor for Amir's tribe, as they make alliances and go to war. The way she draws the wolves makes them almost leap off the page, just like her horses. She also does a great job with the swimming and boats in the later sections. She must have spent a lot of time researching animals and period dress to get the detail right, and the result is wonderful. Even if the story continues to only be of mild interest, the fantastic art alone makes this series worth reading.
I think it's great that Mori is exploring different areas and cultures in her story, and she does so with the same historical accuracy and attention to detail that made me fall in love with A Bride's Story in the first place. I loved learning about the village culture around the Aral sea, and how it differed from the other cultures we've seen in the series. But. I'm afraid that the doctor's adventures aren't all that interesting compared with Amir, Karluk and co. from the first two books. The two twin girls who dominate this volume are pretty dull, and the story quickly devolves into manga cliches, which the first three volumes avoided. I didn't find myself struggling to suspend my disbelief, but I did roll my eyes at the convenient way some plot points were resolved.
The most interesting bit for me was learning about the 'bride price'. This was a price paid by a groom's family to the bride's family, in sheep or gold. Some of the money went to the bride's family, but the bulk of the price went to the bride herself. It was her fortune for the rest of her life, which she owned independently and her husband was not allowed to touch. (So a good bride price was very important). Husband and wife were expected to contribute equally to the household expenses. By comparison with what was happening in parts Europe at around the same time with dowries, this was a really enlightened arrangement that afforded a high degree of independence to married women, and probably also encouraged them to be wise with spending. Learning about these kinds of things is what makes this series especially worthwhile to read.
The art of this volume is as brilliant as the rest, particularly in the early section where Maoru uses fighting wolves as a metaphor for Amir's tribe, as they make alliances and go to war. The way she draws the wolves makes them almost leap off the page, just like her horses. She also does a great job with the swimming and boats in the later sections. She must have spent a lot of time researching animals and period dress to get the detail right, and the result is wonderful. Even if the story continues to only be of mild interest, the fantastic art alone makes this series worth reading.
nerdella_reads's review against another edition
5.0
The twins are adorable, and the traveling Englishman is as hilarious/sad as ever. Hilarisad?
kenyuen1's review against another edition
5.0
I think the author realized Pariya is one of the best characters in this story, so now there's two of her, in the form of twins. The twins are hilarious and it's a good time.
bentgaidin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
'A Bride's Story' vol 4 is a change of pace and a change of scenery; a new town introduces us to new characters, primarily an irrepressible pair of scamps who are impatient for their father to find them husbands, and constantly scheming for a perfect match. I laughed out loud frequently reading this, and really enjoyed the community around them that found them adorable and exasperating in equal measures - a welcome relief after the tragic ending of the last volume.
noysh's review against another edition
3.0
This particular volume felt, I don't know, a little contrived. I wasn't particularly convinced by the smoothness in which the twin's courting process proceeded. I'm not sure if that's my western arranged-marriage-is-bad knee jerking or if this volume was largely lacking in any form of meaningful conflict. It was pretty, but it seemed to be missing something that gave life to previous volumes.
kienie's review against another edition
4.0
DUN DUN DUN!
But I liked the variety of people we got to see in this issue, and also how a less wealthy family handles a wedding.
But I liked the variety of people we got to see in this issue, and also how a less wealthy family handles a wedding.
sarrie's review against another edition
4.0
The stories are still very cute, interesting, and beautifully drawn.
I wish we'd gotten more about Mr. Smith this volume but I enjoyed the twins a lot.
I wish we'd gotten more about Mr. Smith this volume but I enjoyed the twins a lot.
shaegeeksout's review against another edition
5.0
The art style is just TOO PRETTY!!!
Though this volume was a side story from our main characters, I still truly enjoyed the dialogue that was being shared in this particular volume.
We focus on twin girls who are of marrying age. They have always done things together, and aren't typically looked at as individuals. Enter 2 boys they have grown up with, who are potential grooms. They spend some time going on dates with the boys, and they let their individual tastes shine! It's beautiful, and I highly recommend this series on every level!
Though this volume was a side story from our main characters, I still truly enjoyed the dialogue that was being shared in this particular volume.
We focus on twin girls who are of marrying age. They have always done things together, and aren't typically looked at as individuals. Enter 2 boys they have grown up with, who are potential grooms. They spend some time going on dates with the boys, and they let their individual tastes shine! It's beautiful, and I highly recommend this series on every level!
coeurdartichaut's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adore this series and this volume was no expection! It was funny, sweet, informative, adorable, lovely, ETC! It made me tear up, giggle, smile like an idiot and laugh !
The new characters were adorable from the beginning. A bit crazy,but that wa totally their charm. The doctor gets to meet so many intersting and lovely people, I can't help but envy him.
I love looking at other cultures and especially with this point of view, I almost feel like I'm have a peek at an intimate part of their cultures. It feels amazing and also like I'm actually learning.
I'm certainly asking these mangas as gifts because I know I would reread it non-stop!
The new characters were adorable from the beginning. A bit crazy,but that wa totally their charm. The doctor gets to meet so many intersting and lovely people, I can't help but envy him.
I love looking at other cultures and especially with this point of view, I almost feel like I'm have a peek at an intimate part of their cultures. It feels amazing and also like I'm actually learning.
I'm certainly asking these mangas as gifts because I know I would reread it non-stop!