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Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane Volume 6 of Sand Chronicles picks up half a year after the end of volume 5 and Ann's resolution to move on with her life. She's studying hard to pursue a major in Japanese literature, and has been trying to move forward with her love life, too; she hasn't been home to Shimane since her heartbreaking last conversation with Daigo, and she also hasn't yet told anyone in Shimane that she and Fuji have been dating for a few months. But she can't keep that secret forever: an unexpected visit from a Shimane friend leads to the news being carried back to Daigo, and to Ann being told that Daigo has also started dating someone else. This volume is almost as much about Ann and Daigo's relationship as earlier ones have been, even though they don't exchange a word for the entire book. Ann and Fuji's relationship is convincingly awkward--Ann tries very hard not to compare Fuji to Daigo, and to not let her past overshadow her new romance, but she knows there's an element of using her feelings for him to push past her feelings for Daigo. Ashihara conveys the complexities of her characters' feelings very well, and keeps Ann on the delicate line between getting over someone and being unable to forget them. Ann's reaction when she hears that Daigo has a new girlfriend is very real, and although Ann herself feels guilty for taking it so hard, I think many (or most) people who've been in a similar situation will know how she feels. Of course, it's impossible for Ann or Fuji to completely distance themselves from Shimane. Ann avoids going home, but Fuji is persuaded to visit because of his mother's worries about his sister. Shika has also had plenty of things to deal with, between discovering the truth about her parentage and feeling guilty for how badly she treated Ann the last time they saw each other. Once Fuji arrives home, an encounter with Daigo is almost inevitable given how small Shimane is. As a reader, I really like Ann and Daigo's relationship, and I hope it works out, but I still feel that anything could happen here. Ann is very, very hard on herself for her tendency to lean on people when she's hurting, but there's nothing malicious about her behavior, and while she worries about using Fuji it's still obvious that she genuinely cares about him. So while I have my own hopes for how the story will go, I'm trying not to have my heart set on a specific ending. I don't think I'll be disappointed, however it turns out. Volume 6 of Sand Chronicles includes a two-page glossary of terms and cultural notes at the end of the book. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
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