I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Series: A Sign of Affection #1 Published by Kodansha Comics on February 23, 2021
Demographic: Shōjo
Genres: Romance, Slice of Life
Source: NetGalley
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Yuki is a college student who’s into friends and fashion. She’s also deaf. A chance meeting on a train leads to a serious crush . . . but can it grow into something more?
Yuki, who’s always been deaf, is used to communicating with sign language and her phone. But she’s not used to English, so when a tourist from overseas asks for directions, she nearly panics . . . until a handsome stranger steps in to help. His name is Itsuomi, and it turns out he’s a friend of a friend. A charismatic globetrotter, Itsuomi speaks three languages, but he’s never had a deaf friend. The two feel drawn to each other and plan a date on a romantic winter’s night . . . but Yuki’s friend is afraid that she might be setting herself up to get hurt. Could this be something real? Or will these feelings melt away with the snow?
I honestly already felt invested in the subject just by reading the title. And now, after finishing this first volume, an even warmer feeling has spread through my heart . . .
While the story keeps you entertained, the topic at hand is what truly grabs the readers’ attention. How could it not? We get a little window that doesn’t simply let us see how a deaf person communicates, but it also shows their struggles, their feelings, and how others interact with them. Sign language can be quite challenging to be expressed visually, but in this manga it’s well presented. In fact, I’d say it’s treated with the same care used for the characters’ expressions—a must in these reads. And since emotions and reactions are pure and sweet just like Yuki, rooting for her only comes natural. Can you sense a lovely and emotional journey ahead?
An interesting first volume that definitely sparks your curiosity, and adds some extra love for this delicate subject thanks to the interview with the author and notes at the end.
About Silvia
Through her creativity and blogging, Silvia has met people from different industries and collaborated with them on various projects over the years. Her strong passion for reading and her fascination for different cultures and languages have led her to develop a keen interest in the East-Asian continent. Off to see her? Follow the colourful book road . . . ♡
This one sounds really appealing! I love that it represents a deaf protagonist and gives her conflict as well as her struggles. Thank you for a lovely review, Silvia.
The interactions are pretty interesting to see, and she is truly a pure and sweet girl, so her excitement puts a lovely smile on your face ?
Sounds like a promising first installment. 🙂
It is, and a very refreshing story!
The story sounds heartwarming.
You are correct, heartwarming is a good way to describe it.
This sounds good, and I’ve only read a few deaf heroine stories. Lovely review!
Me too, so I jumped on this opportunity right away!
This does sound really good! I love books that help us see the challenges that people with disabilities face on a daily basis.
Same, they give you a better perspective and make you understand situations and disabilities better.
“A chance meeting on a train leads to a serious crush . . .” Sounds awesome. And it captures the deaf experience well, sounds like. the extras sound amazing too.
I need to try more manga. 🙂
The extras are the cherry on top! And I really hope you try more manga, Greg, they are amazing reads ❤️
I love that this shows such care for the character being deaf!
Me too, and it’s really interesting!