The Heiress and the Chauffeur

Gr 6 Up—Ishihara debuts her first American-released manga, the first of two volumes, drawing readers into the complicated world of Japan's social hierarchy at the turn of the 20th century, the Taisho era. Sayaka Yoshimura is an heiress, and unfortunately, as the old saying goes, money can't buy happiness. She strives to win her father's affection by pushing herself to excel academically and socially. Sayaka is at the top of her class, in a young ladies' finishing school, and no one can question her rank. However, jealousy pervades, and soon unfounded rumors start swirling that she has done the unthinkable and fallen in love with her chauffeur, Shinobu Narutaki. Aghast, Sayaka attempts to restore her good name. But when trouble befalls her and Narutaki breaks social decorum, there may be no recovery for her reputation. Refreshingly, the story is set in a period of Japanese history seldom visited in popular manga. The illustrations tend to focus mostly on facial and body expression, which is helpful for English language learners and those who may have a different reading style. Historical romance enthusiasts are sure to indulge themselves in this lighthearted tale that hints at more serious themes about social class.