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Some authors excel at making the extraordinary seem so commonplace, normal. David Eddings, JRR Tolkien, Ursula K. LeGuin...to name a few familiar artists/writers. Mari Ozawa belongs to the other kind; authors who shine at making the ordinary appear extraordinary.

The characters live mundane lives that is at turns warm, selfless and sweet with lingering touches of heartache.  It is a manga so well written that only six chapters in, it gets the reader so attached to a character long since dead. Additionally, the beautifully woven narration added layers of charm to it. It certainly made for a delightful read.

Sekai de Ichiban Yasashii Ongaku ... is at heart a wistful tale of Sue and her daughter, Nozomi, left adrift by a situation beyond their control. The mother's incredible will to make the best of everything despite their situation makes one root for them. It is equally hearty and heart-rending.

The work sketches all sorts of love; a mother's love, platonic love, familial love, romantic love and even the bond between strangers. Sue's love for Nozomi is evident and stands at the forefront of this story. Ozawa Mari alludes that love is the most tender music in the world and by the end of this manga, I concur. Of course it is not the sole cause for their eventual happiness but love, as well as faith, did sustain them. It is a manga I will soon revisit.