REVIEW: Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki by Mamoru Hosoda (Author), Yuu (Artist)

Genre: Manga/fantasy/supernatural

Publisher: Yen Press

ISBN: 031640165X

Format: Hardcover

Release Date: March 25th 2014 (first released 2012)


Links: Goodreads Amazon.com (manga)
IMDB Amazon.com (anime)


Rating: 7/10



Synopsis:

When Hana falls in love with a young interloper she encounters in her college class, the last thing she expects to learn is that he is part wolf. Instead of rejecting her lover upon learning his secret, she accepts him with open arms. Soon, the couple is expecting their first child, and a cozy picture of family life unfolds. But after what seems like a mere moment of bliss to Hana, the father of her children is tragically taken from her. Life as a single mother is hard in any situation, but when your children walk a fine line between man and beast, the rules of parenting all but go out the window. With no one to turn to, how will Hana survive?

Review:

It's been a while since I read a manga and I'm really happy I chose this one to start back into the genre. Wolf Children is also a anime film that I recommend watching- the story differs slightly from the manga adaption but the animation is stunning.

It's crazy to think that despite having 500+ pages I read Wolf Children in a couple of hours. And I really didn't want it to end. The story is gripping from the beginning. Drawing in elements of the supernatural with the struggle of a single Mum raising two children by herself.

There isn't a major focus on the world building of the wolf-man/wolf-children. But this didn't bother me in the slightest- the story approaches the hardships of being a single mother in a captivating and delightful manner. It focuses on Hana and her children, the relationships formed and the friends they make along the way. I was in no way bothered by the fact their isn't an emphasis on the fantasy element. The story is so well written and drawn you don't notice.

The story is narrated from the perspective of Ama, Hana's first child.

You get to see how Hana's two children grow and mature as well as how Hana herself grows. She learns to rely on her neighbours and friends around her, gains courage to allow her children to attend school and learns to accept her children's decisions.

The story has a warm place in my heart and I recommend it to all of you. The story is so full of love and so beautifully drawn it's an amazing read.

Let me know your thoughts below. And what other mangas do you suggest?