(Book review)

“I had money…But for some reason, I couldn’t go anywhere. Apparently, finding a warm place to belong…Takes something other than money. Several years later, I realized that this “something” other than money…Was also required to enjoy food, to keep yourself neat and tidy, and to mutually respect people. But at the time, I dind’t know that.”
― Kabi Nagata, My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness

The autobiographical josei manga ‘My lesbian experience with loneliness,’ originally published on the art website Pixiv and then printed by a variety of publishing houses all over the world, is really a breath of freshness and newness in the book market.

It was written by Kabi Nagata, a Japanese manga artist, who has been drawing since she could remember. In the visual novel, the author has not only portrayed her own difficulties, experiences, feelings, and anxieties, but also has done it with a light sense of humor, which made this wholesome book even better.

It`s not just a story – it’s a story that can be relatable for many people. Manga depicts such sharp themes as existence crisis, self-harm, difficulties in separating from parents and independent life, crisis of orientation, lack of sex education and issues of femininity.

Through the struggles of the cute-pictured main character within the bright pinkish manga frames, we can see ourselves in one situation or another. This story has no complex or ornate plot, yet it has the author`s own experience that shows the real value of the feelings and emotions of human beings.

You can barely find extraordinary things or deep and unique philosophical thoughts there, but it is the simplicity and prosaic routine that gives the story a real charm.

“Nagata gave voice to her experience and that has allowed her readers to realize they are not alone,” says Hans Rollman, Pop Matters about this piece of visual writing.

So, I highly recommend reading Kabi Nagata`s ‘My lesbian experience with loneliness,’ because it`s honestly 10/10. Full of understanding and intimacy, this visual novel has stolen lots of readers` hearts. And maybe – who knows – yours is next.

And if you liked this story and want something as honest and straightforward as it, you should try another Kabi Nagata`s manga ‘My Alcoholic Escape from Reality.’ Wish you good reading!