Very sombre but respectful
I think this series was a very good way to get people to reflect on the war and specifically bombing of Japan without being preachy. It is probably also quite important to write stories like this now, before those with lived experience all pass on and are no longer around to communicate the devastation and messages of hope for peace.
I did notice that none of the adult characters were pro-war. This was probably deliberate given the tone of the series, but also perhaps representative of how people outside military circles felt about the conflict. It must have been so agonising as a crafts person to have to justify keeping the equipment of your trade by developing weapons with said equipment.
It was really sobering to read about the food shortages and the way war affected the children physically, mentally (being influenced by propaganda as well as fear of being conscripted/killed) and the impact on their education.
The two time skips were really nice. I felt happy that both of the girls were able yo go on to live lives where they could do what they wanted. And the tie back to the title was nice too.
Categories: Simulpub Review
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