Reviews

Many people who look at Ooku do not wish to read it because of it's historical context and feel like they are expected to have a large assortment of knowledge in Japanese history. This, however, was very enjoyable and understandable regardless of the nonexistent knowledge I had beforehand. Please do not believe you have to be a history fanatic to understand it when (in all honesty) it does not require much pre known text at all. If it does, the volume has a list of explanations for each new term and gives good examples.

Instead on focusing on one person's story, it connects generation to generation to fully emerge the reader in an overall idea of the effects the Inner Chambers have on not only the people inside, but the country as a whole. It does go over some mature topics, but nevertheless those explicit scenes do not mask the story like most manga and anime do. Even when I read a person's story and tell myself "the next generation could never be as good as the last" I still find myself hooked in and realizing that each story is amazing in its own special way.

I hope that whoever is planning to read or purchase this manga realizes that they will not regret their efforts. Ooku is a manga unlike any other I have seen, holding emotion, depth, and reason that makes it one of the best I've ever read. Even with the unlimited space I have to write this review, I cannot find the words to describe each and every piece of tragedy and joy that overcame me when I read each volume.