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rhythimashinde's review
4.0
One of those very interesting Manga... Talking subtly about all the gender and sexuality, family and tradition issues.
levendir1021's review
3.0
Actual rating: 2,5/5
Very interesting concept but sadly lacking in the execution department.
The idea of a female-run Edo-period Japan after a mysterious disease is killing about 3/4ths of the male population, making them scarce, valuable and in need of protection is an interesting one. What would such a world look like? What would be the tasks appointed to men? How would gender dynamics change? Sadly, it feels like the author didn't seem to want to think all too deep about it.
Some roles are literally just reversed, the men in the Ooku are responsible for many traditionally feminine tasks, such as sewing clothes, without much thought given to it. It just seems the author thought reversing things exactly would be the logical outcome. But then it still perpetuated the 'boys will be boys' narrative. Men will feel oppressed because they aren't supposed to fight and do Kendo, flamboyant gowns for men are somehow... Bad? Or at least the main character thinks so.
Speaking of him, he's annoying. He legit feels like a modern-day macho who is slightly restricted in his freedoms but still very much acts domineering. I am feeling that this is very much a 2000s problem with Japanese fiction, especially Manga and light novels, though and since the series is still ongoing and we get some changes with him that hint at him not being as important in the following volumes (), I am still very much interested in seeing where this goes.
Again, some ideas that were laid out are very interesting but underdeveloped. Which is a bit disappointing since that seems to be the primal focus of the novel. Considering the subject matter, I expected it to be a lot darker, which I would have greatly enjoyed. We also do not get a romance or even a female shogun over-indulging in all her male concubines. Which was sort of disappointing, not going to lie.
Very interesting concept but sadly lacking in the execution department.
The idea of a female-run Edo-period Japan after a mysterious disease is killing about 3/4ths of the male population, making them scarce, valuable and in need of protection is an interesting one. What would such a world look like? What would be the tasks appointed to men? How would gender dynamics change? Sadly, it feels like the author didn't seem to want to think all too deep about it.
Some roles are literally just reversed, the men in the Ooku are responsible for many traditionally feminine tasks, such as sewing clothes, without much thought given to it. It just seems the author thought reversing things exactly would be the logical outcome. But then it still perpetuated the 'boys will be boys' narrative. Men will feel oppressed because they aren't supposed to fight and do Kendo, flamboyant gowns for men are somehow... Bad? Or at least the main character thinks so.
Speaking of him, he's annoying. He legit feels like a modern-day macho who is slightly restricted in his freedoms but still very much acts domineering. I am feeling that this is very much a 2000s problem with Japanese fiction, especially Manga and light novels, though and since the series is still ongoing and we get some changes with him that hint at him not being as important in the following volumes (
Spoiler
I kind of hope that he is gone for good, to be honest, but I somehow doubt itAgain, some ideas that were laid out are very interesting but underdeveloped. Which is a bit disappointing since that seems to be the primal focus of the novel. Considering the subject matter, I expected it to be a lot darker, which I would have greatly enjoyed. We also do not get a romance or even a female shogun over-indulging in all her male concubines. Which was sort of disappointing, not going to lie.
colorful_lulu's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ooku: The Inner Chamber is the ultimate gender reverse of Japan during the Edo period where women are shoguns because men are dying. A deadly epidemic called Redface pox that kills 75% of the men in Japan making them sacred and valuable for reproduction. 80 years after the epidemic our main character, Mizuno, sets out to become a member of the Ooku, an inner chamber inside the Edo castle filled with 3000 handsome men reserved only for the Shogun. Midway through the book, the previous shogun (of age 7, which means she became a shogun as 3) passed away bringing a new era where shogun Yoshihumi, a strong woman with strong views and beliefs, changes the oppressive social structure and breaks negative gender stereotypes.
Ooku: The Inner Chamber is a very memorable and valuable book as it delivers the theme of the story that is relevant for all ages even if you’re not part of the Japanese culture. I really enjoyed the new shogun, Yoshihumi, as it’s not often when you see a woman in power not apologetic about using her power and being clear about her opinion. The setting of the Ooku was really interesting as it was very different from what you imagine when you think of a castle filled with men during a period of time when men were sacred. The last chapter when the Shogun is discussing names is the most confusing part of the book which took away from me understanding the theme better, which is why I gave it 4.5 stars.
Overall it’s a really creative book that teaches you about Japanese culture from a perspective of a gender reverse and it has really good themes that everyone can understand.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexism
raven9949's review
5.0
I really loved this story, with all of its historical information it was really fun to learn knew things as I watched the story unfold. I'm definitely going to be looking for the next book.
I really liked how the guy (sorry I can't remember his name) was extremely honorable, how he did what was expected of him and stayed true to his values, while still doing everything in his power to make sure his family was looked after and protected. Also cool how he got the girl in the end. ;)
I also REALLY enjoyed watching the Shogun, and how she was wise beyond her years, and outfoxed many sneaky and more knowledgable men. I liked that she was a warrior, a sly fox, pretty, wise, and extremely cunning. I liked that she also did what was needed and at the best needs of her people without sacrificing her values.
An amzing book, one that I'd like to have in my own collection and see where the second book leads up next.
~Raven
I really liked how the guy (sorry I can't remember his name) was extremely honorable, how he did what was expected of him and stayed true to his values, while still doing everything in his power to make sure his family was looked after and protected. Also cool how he got the girl in the end. ;)
I also REALLY enjoyed watching the Shogun, and how she was wise beyond her years, and outfoxed many sneaky and more knowledgable men. I liked that she was a warrior, a sly fox, pretty, wise, and extremely cunning. I liked that she also did what was needed and at the best needs of her people without sacrificing her values.
An amzing book, one that I'd like to have in my own collection and see where the second book leads up next.
~Raven
2kimi2furious's review
5.0
UH Y'ALL. REVERSE HAREM ALTERNATE HISTORY SET IN EDO JAPAN WITH A LADY SHOGUN WHO IS A BOSS ASS BITCH AT RUNNING THE COUNTRY WHO ALSO HAS A CADRE OF PRETTY BOYS AT HER DISPOSAL. THIS IS MY DREAM JOB. I WANT TO READ ALL OF THESE MANGAS.
Actual coherent thought: I really like how this fictional society works, with women being valued the same way men are in our society and men being viewed as the lesser sex. I don't like it because misandry (although misandry is pretty great lolz), I like it because I feel like it will make certain readers kind of evaluate why they may or may not view women as lesser than men. It is basically a society of Rosie the Riveters with men being precious, weak flowers that must be protected so they can help further the species and be fathers. It's such an interesting role reversal and it's done really well. I'm actually really excited to read the rest of this series.
Actual coherent thought: I really like how this fictional society works, with women being valued the same way men are in our society and men being viewed as the lesser sex. I don't like it because misandry (although misandry is pretty great lolz), I like it because I feel like it will make certain readers kind of evaluate why they may or may not view women as lesser than men. It is basically a society of Rosie the Riveters with men being precious, weak flowers that must be protected so they can help further the species and be fathers. It's such an interesting role reversal and it's done really well. I'm actually really excited to read the rest of this series.
zorpblorp's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
amyjoy's review
2.0
I clearly only read enough of the description of this book to see "a disease kills 75% of men, so now women are in charge" because I was very surprised/disappointed/annoyed at how dude-centric this was. And then! The main dude that the first few issues are about just up and disappears two thirds of the way through! I actually started liking it a lot more then, because the focus switched more to the new female emperor. If the book had been about that from the start, I probably would read more of the series, but as it is, it wasn't enough to entice me to continue.
antlersantlers's review
2.0
While this had an interesting premise, I kept finding myself disppointed with the execution. Even with the male population reduced by 70%, nothing was really different besides having a female shogun. So much of the patriarchal structures are still so dominant, and I have a hard time believing that after 80 years of decreasing male population and female ascendancy things would be so much the same.
I did, however, laugh hysterically when a character said, "Get thee to the dojo." Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
I also think the story and character development were really ill-served by the format. It's an interesting and thought-provoking story and every time there was a spelled-out-sound effect it really took me out of the story. I also think it's weird that the character ostensibly introduced as a protagonist is gone 3/4 of the way through. For all the thoughtful detail that was put into the alternate-past, there seems to be a lack of that same thougth put into the characters/the plot.
But since it's short enough I'm still going to read the second one.
I did, however, laugh hysterically when a character said, "Get thee to the dojo." Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
I also think the story and character development were really ill-served by the format. It's an interesting and thought-provoking story and every time there was a spelled-out-sound effect it really took me out of the story. I also think it's weird that the character ostensibly introduced as a protagonist is gone 3/4 of the way through. For all the thoughtful detail that was put into the alternate-past, there seems to be a lack of that same thougth put into the characters/the plot.
But since it's short enough I'm still going to read the second one.
brizreading's review
5.0
Fun, clever, refreshing. I had no idea what this was going to be about, and I was DELIGHTED when it was a strange, feminist, sci-fi alt history of 18th century Japan.
Similar to Y: The Last Man and that one short story by Ursula Le Guin about a planet with a super lopsided sex ratio leading to a weird medieval matriarchy - ARGH, WHAT IS THAT STORY CALLED, I'VE LOST IT - anyway: it's about a super lopsided sex ratio leading to a weird medieval matriarchy.
In Ooku, it happens due to a weird "pox" that kills many, many dudes in the early 18th century, and so we have a female shogun visiting her harem of pretty boys, and we follow one very pretty young man as he tries to make it and provide for his family. Just like in the (brilliant and argh what's it called!!) Ursula Le Guin story, having very, very few men turns the remaining men into studs who need to be farmed out to, ahem, spread their seed. Men are seen as fragile things, super important for procreation. Marriage is central to a man's life. Women take on all manual labor (lest men hurt themselves!), and the entire samurai and aristocratic structure is led by women. Interestingly, all women in leadership positions take male names - leading to, ahem, not a blip on the record keeping. And this matriarchy - it is just as oppressive!
In Vol. 1, we follow Mizuno, a handsome young buck who decides to join the shogun's "inner chambers" (male harem) to try to provide for his family. He is devastated to leave his girlfriend, O-Nobu, but understands that, for his poor-ish family, this is the best way. Once he's in the harem, he's confronted with the usual haremy stereotypes of eunuchs, gossip, cat fighting, and homosexuality - except it's all dudes, this time! Everyone is scrambling to get to the top and be seen by the new shogun, a tough, lusty, no-frills military lady named Yoshimune.
What I really loved about this was how deft the pacing and plot was. If you had no idea what it was about, as I did, the story orients you quickly and delightfully - from a child going into the forest and accidentally bringing the "red pox" back, to the visit by a Dutch traveller - these are wonderful little set-pieces which reveal this world without telling us. They show us! So that was masterful. I also really enjoyed how "real" the inner chambers felt; when I googled the author and saw that she's also know for manga slash fic (arghh what's that genre called; anyway I call it "slash fic" cuz I was once a fanfic person, and that just means m/m homoerotica written by women), I was like, "oh is this going to get silly". (If you've read a lot of slash fic, you know that it can get oh so very silly - pregnant Harry Potter!) But the slashiness never felt indulgent; instead, it felt restrained (considering we're in a man harem!!!) and sweet and real. For example, Mizuno's servant - a young tailor - has a GIANT, adorable crush on him, and the way this is handled feels like the way, well, it COULD be handled.
Anyway, fun, different, LUSTY (ho ho), I'm definitely going to be reading Vol. 2.
Similar to Y: The Last Man and that one short story by Ursula Le Guin about a planet with a super lopsided sex ratio leading to a weird medieval matriarchy - ARGH, WHAT IS THAT STORY CALLED, I'VE LOST IT - anyway: it's about a super lopsided sex ratio leading to a weird medieval matriarchy.
In Ooku, it happens due to a weird "pox" that kills many, many dudes in the early 18th century, and so we have a female shogun visiting her harem of pretty boys, and we follow one very pretty young man as he tries to make it and provide for his family. Just like in the (brilliant and argh what's it called!!) Ursula Le Guin story, having very, very few men turns the remaining men into studs who need to be farmed out to, ahem, spread their seed. Men are seen as fragile things, super important for procreation. Marriage is central to a man's life. Women take on all manual labor (lest men hurt themselves!), and the entire samurai and aristocratic structure is led by women. Interestingly, all women in leadership positions take male names - leading to, ahem, not a blip on the record keeping. And this matriarchy - it is just as oppressive!
In Vol. 1, we follow Mizuno, a handsome young buck who decides to join the shogun's "inner chambers" (male harem) to try to provide for his family. He is devastated to leave his girlfriend, O-Nobu, but understands that, for his poor-ish family, this is the best way. Once he's in the harem, he's confronted with the usual haremy stereotypes of eunuchs, gossip, cat fighting, and homosexuality - except it's all dudes, this time! Everyone is scrambling to get to the top and be seen by the new shogun, a tough, lusty, no-frills military lady named Yoshimune.
What I really loved about this was how deft the pacing and plot was. If you had no idea what it was about, as I did, the story orients you quickly and delightfully - from a child going into the forest and accidentally bringing the "red pox" back, to the visit by a Dutch traveller - these are wonderful little set-pieces which reveal this world without telling us. They show us! So that was masterful. I also really enjoyed how "real" the inner chambers felt; when I googled the author and saw that she's also know for manga slash fic (arghh what's that genre called; anyway I call it "slash fic" cuz I was once a fanfic person, and that just means m/m homoerotica written by women), I was like, "oh is this going to get silly". (If you've read a lot of slash fic, you know that it can get oh so very silly - pregnant Harry Potter!) But the slashiness never felt indulgent; instead, it felt restrained (considering we're in a man harem!!!) and sweet and real. For example, Mizuno's servant - a young tailor - has a GIANT, adorable crush on him, and the way this is handled feels like the way, well, it COULD be handled.
Anyway, fun, different, LUSTY (ho ho), I'm definitely going to be reading Vol. 2.