Feb 6, 2022
A couple of days ago I was reading Otoyome-gatari (Bride’s Tale by Kaoru Mori), and finished the latest chapter. Such a great story, wholesome slice of life, with focus on family, various cultures and food.
Honestly, I can’t name any manga as good as that. But, this manga here comes close.
Hokuou Kizoku or The Snow Country Hunting Life of the Northern Nobleman and the Raptor Wife is a beautiful manga. Very underrated. Its long and difficult name may be one reason!
The synopsis doesn’t do justice to the story. The story is about Ritzghardt Salonen Levantret and Seiglinde von Wettin. Such names make these guys sound
...
distant, and that is the problem with the synopsis.
As a reader you’ll know these guys as Ritz and Seig. This story is about their lovely married life set in the 16/17th century. It is based on a novel. It’s super wholesome and cute. Those with diabetes, beware.
Story. 8/10
Ritz is a lord living in the cold north. He is of marriageable age but due to extreme weather and difficult life in the borderland, he is having trouble finding a wife. Seig is an army officer, who just came back from military duty. She has a boycut hairstyle, a calm and confident air about her.
Ritz falls in love at first sight and they move to his home county to see if a marriage can work out between them.
You may think how can someone marry so suddenly, and so Seig suggests that they live together for 1 year, a Trial marriage. So that she may leave if things don’t work out.
Needless to say, things work out really well. Ritz is a thoughtful young man. He makes sure Seig is okay, and teaches her all about living in the cold countryside.
He is harworking, humble and likeable. He’s kind too, and that is what attracts Seig.
Seig is a strong woman, she is confident, doesn’t take half measures. And is kind too. Initially she seemed cold, but then you’ll find she’s so sensitive and caring.
The story shows their day to day life in various seasons. The focus is on things like———— hunting rabbits, birds, fishes, preparing meat,etc. The parts about cooking go in great detail. They make wine, cider, jam, cake, etc.
We get to meet various people in the village— kind aunties, xenophobic uncle, helpful friends, lazy soldiers,etc.
As the story progresses the overall feel of the village as well as the manga gets more and more lovely.
We learn about farming, caring for livestock, etc. Too many things to name here.
But it is all very sweet and informative.
It reminds me of Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Every day nothing big happens, but every day is special.
Art. 8/10
The people are drawn cutely, as befits the story. The food appears so tasty, this manga makes me hungry. There are many scenic panels. Art is good, simple.
Characters. 9/10
As the story progresses I get more and more attached to these guys. I want to see more of their adventures. The manga has a fast pace, every chapter moves the story forward. I can’t wait for more. Some people who seemed evil come around, and some don’t. As it is in life.
There are very few negative characters is this story. And those who are rude have some problems in their life.
Ritz is so cool, gentle, strong but not all powerful. He tries to teach Seig about hunting. And she actually performs better than him on her first try....thanks to her military background. She expected some male ego, but instead Ritz compliments her and asks her to teach him too. That’s the kind of sweet relationship these guys have. In this aspect this manga resembles Sannensa (Three Years Apart).
Overall. 8/10
I have read 71 chapters in 2days and I can’t wait for more. This is such a happy and wholesome manga. Also very underrated.
You can expect slice of life, cuteness, food, romance and comedy from this manga. Some adventures too.
There is no mystery, crime, thriller, saving the world or fighting here.
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did.
Thank you for reading!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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