God Lies.

Natsuru, Rio, and Yuta have a life changing
summer break

Konnichiwa~

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

I wish had some Martin Luther King Jr. manga for the occasion, but as far as I know, there is none. I did bring a beautiful slice of life though. It’s my first and is called Kami-sama ga Uso o Tsuku. by Ozaki Kaori. I actually started this manga a while back, I rediscovered it yesterday and have no idea why I didn’t finish it, its one of the best series I’ve read, its style is very similar to Koe na Katachi. It’s a short series, complete with one volume long with 5 chapters. It has been completely scanlated, and I highly recommend checking it out right now. And I hope this becomes a movie soon because it would a freaking amazing movie. Anyway, let’s start like I always do, with the plot:

Natsuru Nanao is 11 years old and is about to begin summer break. Ever since he turned down Hime, the “leader” of the girls in his class, on Valentine’s Day, she and her followers have been ignoring him. But since he’s just an 11 year old boy, he really doesn’t care and can live a happy life as long as he has soccer. But that’s ruined for him after his kind old coach is hospitalized and replaced by a mean one, a guy that takes elementary school soccer much too seriously.

Rio began Natsuru's coming
of age journey

Anyway, before summer break begins, Rio Suzumura suddenly talks to him, making a brief comment about the curtains being clean. He doesn’t think much of it, simply surprised to have a girl talk to him at all. Later in the night, after he finds a white kitten, he runs into Rio and her younger brother Yuta. Since he can’t keep the kitten, he asks if she possibly can. Yuta jumps with joy at the idea, but Rio quickly reminds him that they can’t afford the living expenses. He offers to pay for them, wanting to find the cat a home. She agrees and they end up going to her home, where he discovers her secret: Rio and Yuta live alone. She explains that he father is away for work and begs him not to tell anyone because they don’t want to be separated from their

father and sent into a foster care. Though shocked and confused, he agrees.

With this, a bond grows between the two and thus they begin a fate changing summer together.

Well I really should say all three of them, since Yuta is also part of this journey. Though some might not consider him an important character, I was really fond him and his energetic spirit. I also loved the strong bond he shares with his older sister, whom he obliviously loves, respects, and relies on. Which is natural since Rio is a very reliable child. Though she’s only 11 years old, she can run their household efficiently and is the mature person needed for their survival. Both of them are very strong, having experienced much pain and heartbreak that children should never have to. Despite her air of maturity, Rio is still a child and shows her more gentle and cheerful sides to Natsuru as he grows closer to the family of two. Natsuru has the heart of a hero. He’s a rather mature for a child as well, his mother Ritchan often busy with her manuscripts for light novels. They have a very good relationship though and he’s lived a relatively normal life up until now. He’s a kind and protective, someone very good at taking care of others. If he cares about someone enough, he will do anything to protect them, even if it means ruining his reputation or getting in trouble. He is also a very bright person, someone who Yuta and Rio have fun with.

One of my favorite covers

He also has this wonder to him because he has such big dreams and seems very passionate about them.
This is his coming-of-age story, you see him learn about the unjust things that happen in this world and experience his first love.

Though the series is short, the plot isn’t rushed or anything. The romance is moves at a good pace, a slow growing innocent love between Natsuru and Rio. The only thing missing is maybe the ending. I would’ve liked a scene or two more. Besides that, it was an beautiful slice of life (I seem to be seeing a lot of these lately) and I really hope it gets published in English so I can buy it. I give it a perfect 10 out of 10 monohorrns. It deserves it, having nice art, lovable characters, and a realistic, sad, and amazing plot. Again, I highly recommend it. A coming of age story in which a child realize, even God lies.

Bye-bye

~Nadeshiko-chan