Sand Chronicles: Vol. 3

by Hinako Ashihara

Synopsis
Sweet 16-year-old Ann returns to rural Shimane from Tokyo for the summer, eager to reconnect with her boyfriend Daigo. But will the allure of their close friends -- wealthy brother and sister Fuji and Shika -- sunder the romantic ties that have bound Ann and Daigo since they were 12?

Review
This series continues to be interesting. It has the ups and downs and even the unsureness and insecurity that comes with being a teenager. I remember the feeling, unsure of what others felt, sure I knew the future.

I still can't say I like Ann and Daigo's relationship, but that's just my preference. She feels guilty about the kiss that Fuji gave her, thinking that it means she's cheated on Daigo. So, she does something that she thinks will make up for it, but that's the problem with being a teenager, is that you do something that feels right at the time, only to find that you regret that action later. The story gives no hints like that, I just know from experience.

So the bit about Fuji's mother having an illegitimate child is explored more in this volume, and the truth ends up being different than Fuji thought. It was his sister who was the love child, not he. But he doesn't learn that, she does. It kinda messes with her, and I really felt bad for her. Also, she discovers that she has feelings for Daigo, adding to the love triangle. It doesn't feel like a cliche though, because the author has made it feel natural, not gimmicky.

I really wonder how this story is going to end up.

Final thought: I'll read the next volume.

Sand Chronicles: Vol. 2

by Hinako Ashihara

Synopsis
Just when Ann has adjusted to life in the countryside -- and even had a boyfriend! -- her father invites her to live with him in Tokyo. Now she must choose between a father she hardly knows and a young man she is just beginning to know. But she soon discovers they aren't the only ones vying for her attention!

Review
So changes come to Ann's life when her father comes to see her mother's grave (actually it's to see her) and asks her to come back to Tokyo to live with him. I thought her response was appropriate, that she rejected him, because he had been non-existent in her life since her mother died. So, he leaves, dejected. But then, the girlfriend calls with a story: that her father is in the hospital! Ann rushes to the hospital in Tokyo, only to find out it was an overblown excuse to get her to see her father. I don't know if this kind of thing is accepted in Japan, but really, how rude for some nobody to interfere with other people's lives! I automatically don't like her. I guess it's because she feels bad for him, and only she has seen the hardship he's been through. That's her excuse anyway. And then we find out that there was a reason why Ann's father didn't come to see her. It's because he promised her mother that he wouldn't see her until the debts were paid off. One, who would agree to that kind of promise, and two, who would force someone into it? And anyway, she died. He didn't have to keep that promise anymore. What's more important? Your daughter or a promise to a dead person?

Anyway, the reason I'm going on about this is because she chooses to live with her dad. But with the events that occurred previously, I think these people are sick, and I never would have lived with them. Perhaps in Japan, it's supposed to seem sweet, that he kept the promise, and kept a room ready for her.

The rest of the volume has Ann spending time with Daigo, then getting drunk(!) after he leaves. She calls Fuji who comes to spend time with her. He then lets her know his feelings for her. There's also a little bit of character development for Fuji, which is a really sad event.

Final thought: I'll pick up the next volume.

Sand Chronicles: Vol. 1

(aka Sunadokei, Hourglass)
by Hinako Ashihara

Synopsis(from the back of the book)
After her parents get divorced, Ann Uekusa and her mother move from Tokyo to rural Shimane. Accustomed to the anonymity of city living, Ann can't get used to the almost overbearing kindness of the people in her mother's hometown. But when personal tragedy strikes, Ann discovers how much she needs that kindness.

Review
This is an interesting series that I look forward to reading more of. It starts with the main character, Ann, at age twelve, and seems like it moves through events in her life as she grows up. The ages presented in the volume are twelve and fourteen. As it's slice-of-life, nothing really exciting or spectacular happens, but it keeps your interest anyway.

As the synopsis says, she moves to a backwater town, where mostly elderly people live, because her mother isn't feeling well and can't work. She manages to make friends anyway, and this story is about her adventures with them. She pairs off with Daigo almost right away (even though they don't realize it), which I thought was too bad, because I like Fuji better. This is probably because he's shy, and I identify with shy people, who are often misunderstood. But I digress.

The theme of time and hourglasses, seem to permeate through everything in this book. The preciousness of time, how fleeting events are, and how precious people are really came through to me while reading. The future isn't certain, of course, and I can only guess at what's going to happen next.

Final thought: I have to get the next book!