Oct 27, 2016
At the time I am writing this review, this novel has only 49 members on MAL. Somehow, this isn't a very popular series here, so if people are really undecided on whether to invest some time into reading this manga, let me say right now: give it a try. I hope to convince you why through this review.
To begin with this novel beats all the cliches and tropes associated with rebirth and Isekai novels out of the water. It takes a much more down-to-earth look at what life as a reincarnated person in another world would be like. Moreover, our protagonist is not reborn to
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a noble family, or born with OP powers, or even born with some quest to kill a demon lord. Rather, the villain in this novel is much more subtle. Yes, if I had to name a villain here, it would be society itself, or the people in history who allowed such a society to come into existence. It takes a look at inequality, aristocracy or landed gentry and discrimination based upon magical power in such a world quite realistically. Imagine an alternate world where the magic is beginning to dry up and the people, long accustomed to using magic to solve all their problems, are now facing an insurmountable wall. The protagonist, being a reincarnated individual with knowledge of science can possibly be a boon in this world. The story thus revolves around her and her interactions with people around her as she introduces new solutions to a inert and sluggish place.
The person who carries this story through is definitely the MC, Ryou. So far, we do not receive POVs from other characters. The MCs primary struggle in this alternate world is finding her place in a loving family. The story shows how poverty and ambition drives people to use her to fulfil their wishes. Even people who we think are very close to her might suddenly show themselves to have thought of her as an object to be monopolized, rather than a person. This repeated rejection has understandably given the MC feelings of inferiority and jealousy, but as of now, she might have found at least 3 people who care about her deeply, which is comforting.
I believe this novel makes us side with the MC very effectively by showing us a world very divorced from our modern ideals of universal education, equality and right to private ownership and entrepreneurship. We look at this sluggish world and wish the MC could be a positive force here and make a living and positive contribution in this world.
The plot is not particularly adventurous or filled with slaves and elves and beastmen falling in love. TO begin with, the protagonist is a girl. Ad right from the start, she has to come to terms with some of the realities of being born so in a poor family. It is quite serious and the themes get quite dark. However, Ryou's positive attitude in all of that is heartwarming and really helps drive the story along.
I am very happy to say that as of right now, I cannot possibly predict where this story will go or how it will end. So it is a novel experience for me. And just for that alone, I would say it is worth reading. The translator's have put effort into it and it reads pretty well in English. So if you have some spare time, definitely look into this.
Overall: 9/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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