Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. (The Gods Lie.)

Eleven-year-old Natsuru Nanao is the ace of the soccer team yet has trouble speaking to girls because of a certain event following his transfer to his current school. Due to his father dying long ago, he lives only with his mother but does not let this distract him from his passion for soccer, as he hopes to become a professional player. One day, a female classmate named Rio Suzumura approaches Natsuru, a meeting that signals a huge turning point in his life.

Upon talking with Rio, Natsuru immediately becomes interested in her. After he saves an abandoned cat, he runs into the girl and her younger brother, Yuuta, on their way to the supermarket and asks if they can take care of it, to which they agree. However, when Natsuru arrives at their home, he is shocked to discover that the siblings have been living alone in a dirty house, a secret that Rio absolutely wants to keep. As Natsuru spends more time with them, their circumstances and reasons for secrecy are slowly brought to light.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. was published in English as The Gods Lie. by Vertical Inc. under the Vertical Comics imprint on April 19, 2016. The series was also published in Spanish by Milky Way Ediciones on November 25, 2014; in Brazilian Portuguese by Panini Comics on December 17, 2016; and in Polish by Waneko on April 26, 2018.

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Characters

Suzumura, Rio

Main

Nanao, Natsuru

Main

Suzumura, Yuuta

Supporting

Nanao, Ritsuko

Supporting

Okada

Supporting

Suzumura, Grandfather

Supporting

Suzumura, Father

Supporting

Sakai, Maruo

Supporting

Himekawa

Supporting

Reviews

Dec 3, 2024

EUGOMA

Recommended

Review of The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki
Kaori Ozaki’s The Gods Lie (Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku) is a brief yet profound coming-of-age story that masterfully intertwines themes of love, independence, fear, guilt, courage, and resilience. At its core, it is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence clashing with the harsh realities of life, presented with a delicate balance of melancholy and hope.

The Strengths
1. Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The heart of The Gods Lie lies in its characters. Natsuru Nanao, an 11-year-old boy, and Rio Suzumura, his reserved yet strong-willed classmate, are not merely children—they are multidimensional individuals navigating a world that has thrust adult ... responsibilities upon them far too early. Their burgeoning friendship and budding feelings of love are portrayed with a natural sincerity that feels authentic. The story’s emotional depth stems from how it juxtaposes their youthful naivety against the grim realities of neglect, poverty, and societal indifference.

2. Themes of Independence and Courage
Rio’s struggle to maintain her and her younger brother Yuuta’s independence while concealing their dire living conditions is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances is a testament to human strength and the courage to endure. Similarly, Natsuru’s journey from a carefree boy focused on soccer to someone who learns to stand by those he cares about showcases a nuanced portrayal of growing up and taking responsibility.

3. A Story of Love and Moving Forward
The title itself—The Gods Lie—hints at the disillusionment that comes with growing up. The narrative suggests that life’s supposed certainties (represented by "gods") often betray us, yet it is precisely in these moments of betrayal and pain that we find purpose and the courage to move forward. Natsuru and Rio’s bond, tender and understated, is a quiet celebration of love as a source of hope amidst despair.

4. Beautiful Artwork
Ozaki’s art complements the story impeccably. The soft, clean lines and expressive character designs convey both the innocence of childhood and the weight of the emotions the characters carry. The use of visual storytelling—such as the stark contrasts between the warmth of the children’s friendship and the desolation of Rio’s home—enhances the narrative’s impact.

The Weaknesses
1. Limited Length
At just a single volume, The Gods Lie is almost too brief for its own good. While its brevity adds to its emotional punch, some elements—particularly the backstory of Rio’s absent parents or Natsuru’s internal transformation—could have benefited from further development. The rushed pacing in the latter half may leave readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the narrative’s darker themes.

2. Lack of Peripheral Development
While the focus on Natsuru and Rio is commendable, secondary characters are largely underdeveloped. For instance, Yuuta, Rio’s younger brother, has potential to be a more compelling character, yet his role feels more symbolic than substantive.

Conclusion
Despite its brevity, The Gods Lie is an exquisite work of storytelling that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page. It captures the fragility and strength of the human spirit, offering a nuanced perspective on how love and resilience can emerge even in the face of life’s cruelties. The manga’s ability to evoke deep empathy and contemplation is a testament to Ozaki’s storytelling prowess.

This is not merely a story about children but a meditation on the human condition. It is about learning to face life’s uncertainties, finding courage in vulnerability, and discovering purpose even when the "gods" betray us. It’s a tale that resonates universally, proving that even the shortest narratives can leave the most profound impact.

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Apr 15, 2023

cultre

Recommended

One of the short stories of all time,this shit had me thinking if there really is a God further more the fact that we lie to ourselves evrytime we blame God and that act is the reason in we as a species came up with the idea of there being a God in the first place.
I believe that the situations witch occurred drived the overall message of the story effectively and that the art style was fitting for the nature of said message and the charics aswell
though to be honest the overall massage was more interesting than the story itself.
So ya it was ...

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Nov 3, 2024

Mara2463

Mixed Feelings

The Gods Lie – Spoiler Free – Mixed Feelings

TLDR
Story – 5/10 – 5 x 0.275 = 1,375
Art – 5/10 – 5 x 0.2 = 1
Characters – 4/10 – 4 x 0.225 = 0,9
Enjoyment – 4/10 – 4 x 0.3 = 1,2
Total: 4,475 -> 4

Story – 5/10
The Gods Lie is a mediocre story about how cancer ruins lives. While empathy is a big part of this story, there is none towards the characters whatsoever. The story is just too short for it to have any effect on the reader. It is, in fact, sad – none of it is happy – but that’s it. There ...

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Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku.
The Gods Lie.
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The Gods Lie.
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