Reviews

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 15 by Aka Akasaka

Only show reviews with written explanations

rereader33's review against another edition

5.0

This volume wasn't as funny as previous volumes, yet made up for that for being emotionally strong and giving vital character growth to Shirogane and Shinomiya.

What I appreciated most about this volume was the messages of accepting yourself for all of your flaws and revealing your true self to someone, even if it's difficult. The first message seems cliched and overdone, but the fact is it's something that everyone struggles with, even adults. What was great about the way the messaged is delivered here, though, is that what you're accepting is not just that you have flaws, but you'll ALWAYS have flaws. There seems to be this notion (I blame popular media) that in order to "rise from your flaws," you're supposed to get rid of them entirely. Not only is this simply untrue, but it's also impossible. As Shinomiya acknowledges, those ugly parts of her personality will always be there, nothing can be done about that. What CAN be done, though, is try to become a better person to COMPENSATE for those flaws and try to learn from them. While the scene where she recognizes this may be trying to excuse her actions by explaining more of her upbringing, but for me what keeps it shy of doing so is her acknowledging that she WANTS to do better and SHOWING us how she still has work to do, but she's improving. It was a truly heartfelt scene that speaks to me personally and hopefully speaks to others as well.

The second message is more on the nose but not less important. Everyone puts on a mask to hide their "true" selves (or more accurately the "less appropriate" selves) and it's hard to remove that mask for fear of rejection. What I appreciate is that even though Shinomiya is willing to remove hers, Shirogane ISN'T until the end of the volume. And that is SO FUCKING REALISTIC. Not everyone, even lovers, are going to be willing to drop their guard even if it's for the one they love. I loved how one side was still struggling because both characters have been deeply scarred by problems in the past and it makes sense that one or both would be hesitant. It was made the scene where he did feel more triumphant and impactful because you still go to see him struggle and watch him finally overcome his fears. It was really well-done and I loved it.

I know some people would complain that it's taken so long for them to become a couple, but to me it's been well worth the ride. This series will definitely not be for everyone, but if you've made it this far I hope it's been as enjoyable for as it's been for me. Can't wait for volume 16!