"Haru's Curse" by Asuka Konishi is a nuanced exploration of grief, guilt, and complicated relationships. The manga delves into the emotional turmoil of Natsumi and Togo as they navigate their feelings for each other while grappling with the memory of Haru. Despite the controversial premise, the story offers a deep understanding of the characters' motivations and struggles. Konishi's artwork and storytelling effectively convey the complexity of human emotions, making it a compelling read even for those initially hesitant about the subject matter. Overall, it's a thought-provoking manga that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption with empathy and depth.

Diving into Asuka Konishi's "Haru's Curse" was an emotional rollercoaster that left me with mixed feelings. While the manga novel presented an intriguing premise, it didn't quite hit the mark for me personally.

The story revolves around Natsumi, who, after the loss of her sister Haru, reluctantly embarks on a complicated journey with Haru's fiancé, Togo. The synopsis promises a nuanced exploration of the conflict between romantic and familial love, and in that regard, Konishi doesn't disappoint. The plot unfolds with a deliberate pacing, mirroring the changing seasons and the evolving dynamics between the characters.

The character development is a strong suit of this manga. Natsumi's internal struggle and her attempts to reconcile her own feelings with the societal expectations create a complex and relatable protagonist. Togo, too, is portrayed with depth, and the emotional weight he carries is palpable. The supporting cast adds layers to the narrative, providing a well-rounded ensemble.

The art style is both delicate and expressive. Konishi captures the emotions of the characters beautifully, and the changing seasons are vividly portrayed through the artwork. The visual storytelling adds a layer of depth to the emotional narrative, making it a compelling visual experience.

However, despite these strengths, the story fell short for me in terms of engagement. The mystery element, while present, lacked the intensity I expected, and the romantic aspect felt somewhat forced at times. The emotional weight of the narrative is undoubtedly there, but it didn't resonate with me as strongly as I hoped.

Despite my personal disconnect, I acknowledge that "Haru's Curse" might find a dedicated audience. The exploration of complex emotions, societal expectations, and the delicate dance between love and loss could be a poignant experience for readers who connect more deeply with the characters.

This is a bittersweet tale that explores the complexities of love and grief.
While it didn't entirely capture my heart, it's a journey worth taking for those who appreciate a thoughtful blend of mystery and romance.

I really loved the manga! There were parts where I was a little lost with what was happening in the manga, but it was worth it! I really liked the characters and the plot.

This was cute and I really enjoyed the art style. Otherwise, I can't really make any deeper comments since I'm finding shoujo manga just isn't up my alley anymore.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this.


This book explores the line between love and grief and the guilt that comes for falling for someone that would be off limits if certain circumstances were present. The art was beautiful and I was amazed at how much I truly loved this. It gave me the right amount of angst and made me think profoundly about what it means to grieve.

This was not fully for me but potentially at no fault of the author.
I understand that this manga is supposed to deal with grief and this was one of the reasons I picked it up.
But it just felt awkward, forced and I just wasn't able to connect to this story as much - the relationship felt a little off and I failed to see what the point of the story was because the topic of grief was brushed over to make room for an awkward romance. I think the story could have benefited from placing larger emphasis on dealing with personal grief.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this manga or not but I ended up enjoying it! I liked the way that the author dealt with love and guilt and how closely they can be intertwined. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author.

This book was beautiful. From the artstyle to the way the story flowed was absolutely amazing. This artstyle is like nothing I have ever seen before. I frequently read mangas and this was completely different. The depth of the shading of each character was much darker than I'm used to but this was a benefit. Especially since it matches the story.

A decent start - the book is about grief and coping with it. About love and guilt for falling for someone that you otherwise would not be with. This book was given as an ARC from NetGalley. FULL review soon.

This was quite sad, which I wasn't expecting. It's about a girl who's sister died and the sisters boyfriend. It explores grief. The artwork was brilliant and the pacing was great.

I recieved a copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.

After the death of younger sister Haru, Natsumi feels devastated. she has lost her only friend and the person who was closest to her. When Togo, Haru's boyfriend asks her out, Natsumi agrees on the condition that they go together to the same places he used to visit with Haru. However, as they go out more both Natsumi and Togo become tormented by this relationship. Natsumi starts to think that she is somehow under Haru's curse.

Natsumi was very kind to her younger sister, Haru and that is why she keeps feeling guilty for her.
Togo is a very passive person. He acts according to the choices made by his family for him.

The art in this book was the strongest point. However, I didn't feel connected to the characters and the plot was not so strong. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy of this manga from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book is well written and the characters are described well. The artwork is absolutely fantastic. The pacing of this story is good. The characters in this story learn to love each other. It is set in Japan. It is in stores now for $17.99 (USD).

Natsumi and Haru come from a respectable old family that has no money, and Togo comes from a very rich family looking to match him with a respectable girl. What no one figured is that despite becoming engaged to the quiet, studious, traditional Haru, she would die young from cancer... and Togo would develop feelings for her loud, hot mess sister.
This was a very sweet and sad one-shot manga that explores grief, loyalty to family and love. Very enjoyable

This story fairly strange in it's plot, I wasn't sure what to think. Then I hit chapter two.
The idea of changing perspectives sometimes bothers me, but it was done perfectly here.

There are so many amazing topics Haru's Curse covers.

Grief is a very large one, guilt of living on after those that have passed and struggling to deal with how if effects your.
Love, both romantic and simple interest/attraction to things that cause epiphany in your life. Family expectations vs personal desires and so much more. So much sadness and yet so much hopefulness at the turn of every page. There's so much emotion in such a wide range, for every character. I found myself rooting for everyone to be happy, whatever journey that meant for them.

I unexpectedly enjoyed this read a lot and found it very touching and sweet.

** Thank you so much to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley, providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. **

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

This book combines volumes 1 and 2 and is completed, I think. It deals with grief and guilt, so is a bit sadder than most manga I read. I wasn't sure how I felt about the book at first, but once we see the past from their different views and their thoughts on situations, I got into it. It pulled on my heartstrings and made me feel for the couple. Truly liked the couple and how the story progressed.
I won't be buying it for my teen collection, but do think this would do well in an adult one.

I was unable to finish this book before it was achieved but I did manage to read the first 100 pages. From what I did read, it was shaping up to be a great story. I loved Haru and how she was interacting with the male MC. I wish I could’ve finished it and plan on purchasing a book when I can. I highly suggest this book to whomever is interested in an interesting and angst filled romance story.

Haru's Curse is extraordinary in the way that the mangka breaks down what grief looks like. The visuals of what it means to be a grieving person who has lost someone, who has lost part of themselves and who has lost part of the future that they have been planning. I was unprepared with how nuanced the relationships in this manga become and how deeply I felt bonding with the characters. Natsumi has lost the only person in the world that she loved most: her little sister, Haru.

She was her entire world and now that she's gone she's locked into this cycle of guilt and grief--she's also apparently dating her late sister's fiance'--Togo.Sounds like a hot mess, believe me, I know. But the journey is one, I do not regret taking. Haru's Curse almost has a coming of age type feel--this is what I realized after reading it to finish for the first time. It is every bit an incredible manga about the lives we lead and who we love. Yet it is also about first loves, the people who roll into our lives and impact us. It is a book about growing up, maturing and figuring out what your life means to you. This one took me by surprise. So much. I can not stress just how it blew me away again and again after my second and third reread.

Asuka Konishi’s English-language debut is a superb effort that presents a narrative where love, family and expectations can linger like a curse, like burdens on us all and how some of us are lucky enough to see the writing on the wall and make the choices that are not always offered to many.

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.SPOILER: the ending feels rushed--wrapped up the book but it surprised me. May come off as jarring the first time you read it--it would sit fine with me if another reader took off points or stars for the ending alone.

Thanks for this arc to Netgalley and Kodansha, I’m so happy to be able to review it.
All my reviews might see the same bc to review something I either loved it or not liked it at all, thats how my heart works and I review with that😅 but Im really honest when I say that I really reeeeeally loved this manga. It was something so serious and important showed in a “beautiful” way. The characters were so human and suffered a lot bc of the lost and grieve from it, and bc of the guilty of their own feelings. But even though some people might see it wrong, I don’t. You can’t change how you feel, the love is an inevitable feeling and that was showed very well. And the life it’s for the living people. Im sorry if it’s cheesy but it is the way it is. I really felt it deep in my heart all those things, the author did a very good job. I didn’t knew if it were to be an only volume and I was glad when I find out that it was that way. Even though now I miss them a little and I felt nostalgic at the end. I would really like some spin-off from their new lives and things like that. So, with all this said, I really want everyone to read it. It was different and moving and loving. THANK YOU AGAIN, that’s it. Xo💕

HARU’S CURSE: ⭐️⭐️

A girl realizes that she has always loved her dead sister’s betrothed and he has always loved her. It was surprisingly unmoving given the premise.

NOTE: I was provided an arc in exchange for an honest review.

(rating is around a 3.5)

this story was very… weird to say the least. it follows natsumi dealing with grief after her sister passed away from cancer on the very first page of this book, leaving an incomplete family and a boyfriend behind. after slipping into a depression, when togo, her sisters ex, ask for her to date him, she agrees. on one condition; they have to visit all the places he took haru (the sister). and, as every romance manga goes, love begins to grow, along with feelings of guilt, all until she finds a certain online journal.

this dealt with grief in a way i consider accurate. it shows how, although the dead cannot be sad, the living still try to consider their feelings, as natsumi did. it also shows a whole ton of messed up families, with their own issues and arranged marriages. i felt, although their feelings were presented really well, most of the characters lacked something until the very end, which was highly rushed, btw. i would have been okay with it being a few hundred pages more in order to fix the pacing and add more details.

overall, confusing read, lacks a sense of morality but i still enjoyed it nonetheless