The Name of the Flower, vol. 2

The Name of the Flower, vol. 2
By Ken Saito
Publisher: CMX
Price: $9.99
Rating: Teen Plus/16+

A few years ago, Chouko’s parents died in a tragic accident, rendering her mute. After being shuffled around to various relatives, she settled in with her father’s cousin, Kei, who also happens to be a popular, yet reclusive, author. Since then, her voice has returned and she leads a normal, if shy, life. Now in her second year of college, Chouko finds herself falling ever deeply in love with Kei.

When Chouko finally decides to join a club at school, it just so happens to be a literary circle that idolizes her roommate. When the club finds out that Kei is heading on a short trip, the club decides to follow and Kei finds himself unable to deal with the fallout. Will Kei’s and Chouko’s budding romance succeed, or are they doomed to failure?

After a slow start, The Name of the Flower picks up a bit more in this volume with the introduction of several new characters, a mysterious woman from Kei’s past and a developing love triangle. The literary circle Chouko joins is full of odd, yet charming, characters and gives this manga a much-needed injection of humor. It reminded me of the wacky college-aged crews in Honey and Clover and Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. While no one has any exquisite talents outside of a strong penchant for books, they have their own enchanting peculiarities.

There’s also a more serious side to Akiyama, Kei’s editor and supposed college friend, on display throughout this volume. While it’s always been obvious that the gregarious Akiyama is trying to pull Kei out of his shell, there have been questions as to how good of friends the two were in their younger days. Here, it becomes apparent that Akiyama is a much better friend than Kei seemingly deserves. Most of all, there’s a pronounced growth in both the relationship between Kei and Chouko. It’s understated, but shows its strength at unexpected times, like a sudden gale-force wind.

Ken Saito’s artwork is more well developed in this volume, with none of the occasional awkwardness I saw in the first volume. Kei’s still equal parts pouty, brooding and disdainful, while Chouko’s innocence has matured to a certain degree in both physicality and expressions. Other characters, especially those in the literary circle, are well designed with distinguishable characteristics and personalities. Out of all of them, I like Yousuke best; he recruited Chouko to the club despite his cowardly (and oft-times red-faced) exterior.

All in all, The Name of the Flower is an unexpected shojo gem that refuses to surrender to the expected plot devices or romantic tropes used to pull in readers. Instead, this is a unique slice-of-life romance. While it’s uncertain whether Kei is worthy of her affections, Chouko is the type of character that you don’t want to feel sorry for — she deserves much better than that. And as a reader, I can’t help wanting to see her succeed in life and love. The Name of the Flower is highly recommended.

Review copy provided by the publisher. For more reviews by Lorena Nava Ruggero, visit her manga review blog, i ♥ manga.