If you want to see an upsetting, dramatic, yet realistic story of a boy understanding life despite trauma and confusion, this would be a good read.
The first half is really infuriating, and I was really considering dropping it at the time. It revolves around the protagonist and the psychotic girl present on the cover of the manga.
The second half portrays the challenges of assimilating after trauma in a relatable and heartwarming way. It was satisfying enough to make me forgive the mangaka for the pain and anguish inflicted by what happened up to this point. This segment also depicts confronting the past and trauma to move forward.
A bit melodramatic at times, Aku no Hana still provides an interesting coming of age story that will resonate with you emotionally throughout the read and is structurally sound throughout. You don’t have to like everything that happens, but everything does make sense, even when it really seemingly doesn’t. Even though my enjoyment went different places when reading, it ended in a good one.
If a dramatic yet relatable coming of age story that's emotionally resonant sounds interesting to you, this should be a good read.
