Volume Three of this phenomenal manga moved the story forward in a way that was compelling, but somewhat painful to see.
Shoya makes an effort to reach out to a former classmate of his and Shoko's in his effort to "make up for" his bullying of Shoko in elementary school. At first, this actually goes well, and Miyoko, who had tried to reach out to Shoko before being crushed by the bullying directed at her too, become friends with Shoya and Shoko.
This leads to Shoya, reflecting on his life, thinking that maybe Ueno (another tormentor of Shoko's) is sorry as well about her treatment of of the girl. He reaches out to her and this is a tad bit of a mistake. You see, Ueno is decidedly *not* sorry in the least for how she acted before. She ruthlessly bullies Shoya's overweight friend, declares that she hates Shoko, mocks Shoya for reaching out to the girl, and becomes kinda stalkerish towards Shoya.
This is all so painful to read, as is the horror of seeing Shoya's memories of his past bullying causing him to lash out at Shoko. Fortunately, Shoko and her sister Yuzuru forgive him.
But this does lead to some good stuff. Shoya thinks about the mocking, bitchy words of Ueno and wonders if he is Shoko's friend for real or just faking it to find redemption. This, in turn, moves forward the friendship of the two leads, and perhaps something more. Unfortunately, when Shoko (who has developed feelings for Shoya) tries to express herself via voice instead of sign language, Shoya can't understand her as her voice is slightly garbled. It leads to some stress for poor Shoko, but it seems she'll be fine in future volumes.
I have to say that, despite the discomfort one feels when reading this, it was worth it. I think it was the subject matter, and how honestly the painful parts, and even the cheerful ones, are dealt with that makes things so hard. This manga shows the effects and consequences of bullying. A little overwrought, perhaps, or not, depending on the person.
Really great stuff and a manga that is one of my favorites and one that anyone of any country should read for it's powerful message against bullying.
Highly, HIGHLY, Recommended.
Rating: 5/5 Stars.
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Freddy Frog
Adds to her collection
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 30, 2021julie harding
Great for fans !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 18, 2017
