David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens

Dicken's David Copperfield by J.M. Lybyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I unfortunately read the book in Italian, so I have probably missed a lot of shades from the original masterpiece, but despite this I read the book and I was happy that my expectations in front of a gloomy story were not respected.
The level of details of the storytelling gave me the opportunity to imagine how things were in England, back then, and what kind of life one might have had, since also different people from different social classes are in the story.
David reaches maturity through many events in his life and, although happiness varies depending on his age, he finally comes to what he considers the ultimate joy of life.
It is interesting to see, though, how the ones that have evil intentions will be unmercifully end, giving the sensation that the main message that the author wants to promote is that if one works hard, is honest and tries his best to do good, will be rewarded. And that is very much applicable also today.

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Emma, by Yoko Hanabusa (based on Jane Austen's book)

Emma by Yoko Hanabusa, Jane Austen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This shojo is based on Jane Austen's work, Emma and tries to bring us in the atmosphere of the book. It partially manages, I think although pleasant to read, the manga just gives a summary of what Austen is instead trying to depict with her masterpiece.
Emma develops too quickly and comes to the realization of the truth a little bit too sudden for resulting credible, however, the doubts and her personality are very well represented, so much that I found her irritating as in the book (or in the movie).
This is maybe a good way though to introduce young girls to English ;-)

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Kiss & Never Cry, by Yaoi Ogawa

Kiss & Never Cry Vol.11 by Yayoi Ogawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story and I really like the way Yayoi Ogawa depicted it.
The characters are just great, intense and full of imperfections, but still able to change and grow and admitting their failures.
Choosing figure skating as the sport-theme of the shojo is brave, since it is not one of the most practised sports and it is very technical, but it also offers an interesting background and it is a fascinating sport, beautiful to watch.
Said this, I was a bit bored once the main "mistery" had been solved after 5-6 numbers. The last numbers (with the exception of number 10 and 11) felt more like a way to stretch the story and were a bit too repetitive. Number 10 was of course very pleasant to read since finally a lot of elements were getting concluded and if the story was originally ending there, the last volume gave a chance to put a clear "end", without lose threads.
Interesting also with the connection with the most known Ogawa's work, Kimi Wa Pet: it was nice to see some character here as well!

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