Ooku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga... Let me just say that this is an amazing Manga series. If you love dystopian fiction, this should be right up your alley. The artwork is beautiful, the story is based on actual history with an interesting twist - it's based on Japanese history of the Edo period, where the Shogun is the leader, but the Shogun is not a man as was the actual history in this series, it's a woman. In Ooku: The Inner Chambers, there has been a terrible Red Pox disease that has taken the lives of most of the men before they reach manhood, so the women are the ruling class in this alternate history and it is such a great story! Talk about role reversal!
There are 9 volumes in this series, so far. It is ongoing, with volume 10 coming out in mid-november. Each volume a little over 200 pages, and filled with intrigue, jealousy, revenge, love, sex, friendship and kindness.The story flows through each volume, following the lives, loves and friendships of the ruling Shogun until that Shogun passes the rule to the next in line. It is story rich in tradition and so full of depth that it's hard to believe that it's a piece of fiction. The characters are alive and the story is moving. I am almost through all nine volumes, only stopping briefly to read my book club's monthly selection.
If you enjoy Japanese history, this is a great Manga series! The dialogue is good, the artwork is beautiful, although there was a section that I was having a hard time telling some of the lead women apart, and the story will hold you captive.
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