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darkclouds 's review for:

The Story of Saiunkoku, Volume 1 by Sai Yukino, Kairi Yura
3.0
hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I had first come across Saiunkoku Monogatari in anime form during my early teens. It's hardly one I have seen spoken about growing up. There's still a deep emotional attachment to this story and I recall having feelings of immense sadness when I think of it. It's one I never got to complete and I lived on accepting that fact.

Saiunkoku was one of my first introductions to learning briefly about feminism and independence. Shurei's battle to become the first female civil servant in a court of politics, was highly motivating to witness and stood as a form of empowerment. She was trapped in patriarchal society and constantly worked to make herself known as a worthy candidate, to be enough for the laws to change. I was besotted by her drive. Teen me was thriving.

I am, however, a little thrown that the manga is a little choppy. Which makes sense as this is based off a novel. We won't get to see everything illustrated to the degree that the anime gave us. But I'll proceed regardless.