In Clothes Called Fat

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While those are valid views, I want to emphasize that Noko's extreme experiences do exist in reality and must not be brushed away as unrealistic and unrelatable just because every woman does not go through them.

Original Review: Considering how much I enjoyed this work, I couldn't help but feel like it was a tad bit simplistic - especially when it came to the dialog. Her position with regard to her social circle, female co-workers, boss, and boyfriend are all exactly circumscribed by the way she looks. It pulls no punches with its cast or its subject matter, but it's all the more powerful and meaningful for doing so. The book revolves wholly around how the principal identity of a woman is founded in her attractiveness. One of the first Josei titles I ever picked up I think, this book (for all its warnings) is a nostalgic reread for me.Toshihiko Saito (斉藤 利彦 Saitō Toshihiko) - Noko's boyfriend since high school, who has only stayed with Noko because she's fat and her weak will is comforting to him. While it reverts to Anno’s signature style in later pages, similar to Ito Junji’s art there are some pretty startling scenes. Their god, Yahweh, disallowed physical representation of deity (we even see this carried forth into the Islamic antipathy toward the visual expression of Moses, Jesus, Mohammed—and really, any of their prophets).

Noko, the main character, loses weight, but she never does stand up for herself or learn to see beyond her body as a source of happiness. Due to her weight and self-esteem issues, Noko does not confront him about it despite the fact she loves him very dearly and his betrayal hurts her more than anything else in her life. However, it’s presented respectfully and honestly in a way a manga reader or someone affected by the above can understand. Seeing a josei manga tackle some harrowing imagery without comedic affect right after is shocking, but compelling to look at.Read more about the condition New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages.