Revisiting Kamusari again in this 2nd instalment; a year past since Yuki Hirano came to live and work as a woodsman with Nakamura Lumber in Kamusari Village— a more thorough exploration this time as it revolves mainly on the backstory of its characters (Seiichi and Yoki especially), of folktale and legends of the wondrous mountains of Kamusari and the continuation love crush in between Yuki and Nao.

The narrative structured in an epistolary format—written notes and memoranda (set accordingly into chapters), a diary lookalike—which I love as the storytelling felt more affectionate and attentively told with Yuki’s cheeky perspective throughout his days living with Yoki’s family. I like how it balances both nature and lifestyle while weaving its charming atmospheric views to seasons and culture, intriguing love conflicts, of villager’s troubles and the forestry challenges; a decent and lightly narrated tale yet utterly ‘comforting’ to me.

I truly love Granny Shige in here; she was so cunningly funny (thank you for sharing few surreal stories of Kamusari myths, gran!) and helpful (lol on how she hijacking Yuki’s computer), glad that Santa gets his wish for Christmas also I love the rich dude vibe of Seiichi— there was so much pain from his past yet he managed it well. More dynamic to Yuki’s character now as his love story grows; I was all smiling reading about him and Nao :’)

Please don’t skip the first instalment if you’re interested to get this book. Yuki was nice enough to give a summary from previous plot at the earliest chapter yet I still think it’ll be more compelling to grasp the whole story arc since day 1. Listed this as one of my fav japlit series now— quite authentic for its combination of nature and slice-of-life themes, a heart-inspiring premise for sure. 4.2 stars to this!

Thank you Times Reads for sending me a complimentary copy for review!