Review of A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Ōima

Book Tags: Manga, Bullying, Redemption, Mental Health, Forgiveness, Young Adult, Emotional Journey

After my trip to Kyoto, I picked up A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Ōima, intrigued by its themes of redemption, empathy, and the ripple effects of our actions. Set in a contemporary Japanese town, this poignant manga series explores the deeply emotional journey of Shoya Ishida, a young man grappling with guilt and self-worth, and Shoko Nishimiya, a girl he once bullied for being deaf.

The story’s narrative arc is both heart-wrenching and redemptive, starting with Shoya’s childhood, where he engages in relentless bullying, and following him into adolescence, where he seeks to atone for his past mistakes. Through Shoya’s eyes, the manga examines the complex dynamics of group behavior, the consequences of ostracism, and the heavy burden of remorse.

The story really hit me because it’s so raw and emotional. It doesn’t shy away from showing how much Shoya’s bullying hurt Shoko, but it also dives deep into his guilt and how he wants to be a better person. It made me think a lot about how our actions can affect others, even when we don’t realize it. The way the story flips between Shoya and Shoko’s perspectives was really powerful, especially since it gives you a chance to see how hard it can be to communicate and connect with others.

The artwork is amazing, too. The facial expressions and body language really bring the characters’ emotions to life. You can feel their pain and hope in every scene. You can really feel what the characters are going through, whether it’s guilt, anger, or hope. Shoko’s perspective as a deaf character is handled with sensitivity, offering insight into the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands or overlooks those who are different. It made me think about how easy it is to overlook others’ struggles and how important it is to listen and understand.

The story also reflects Kyoto’s serene beauty in its quieter moments. I also loved how the story uses scenes of bridges, rivers, and open skies to show how people try to connect or feel free. It reminded me of the calm, introspective atmosphere I experienced while walking through Kyoto’s temples and parks. The peacefulness of those moments, both in the book and during my trip, felt like they were helping the characters grow and move past their mistakes, just like I was able to reflect and grow during my visit.

A Silent Voice isn’t just about bullying—it’s about forgiveness, understanding, and learning how to move forward. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you and makes you think about how you treat others. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes emotional stories with a lot of heart. Just be ready—it’s definitely going to make you cry at least once!

Similar Reads:

Your Lie in April by Naoshi Arakawa is a manga about music, trauma, and healing, centered around a young pianist and a vibrant violinist who changes his life. Orange by Ichigo Takano is a story involving time travel, friendship, and dealing with regret as a group of friends tries to prevent a tragedy. My Little Monster by Robico is a romantic comedy manga that also deals with themes of personal growth and social awkwardness. These books and manga share themes of personal growth, emotional depth, and the exploration of relationships, much like A Silent Voice.

Originally Published: City of Orange Public Library, Teen Takes by Arhaam Shahid