Current mood:

touched

Confidential Confessions vol 4 - Reiko Momochi
The stories included in Confidential Confessions vary in subject matter, but they usually have one thing in common: a teenage girl will live through some dark and troubling experiences and come to an important realisation about her life -- a lesson not without its cost. The first story of Volume 4, however, doesn't reach these depths. After experimenting with prostitution, Megumi regrets her actions but doesn't really seem to suffer any consequences, and rather than try to learn from her experiences, she decides to act as though they never happened. Her life easily returns to normal and her biggest regret seems to be that she can no longer afford to buy designer accessories. Reiko Momochi has proved herself adept at handling these adult themes in a realistic and moving manner, so it's disappointing that this story is so shallow compared to the others, when the theme is one of the most controversial.

Fortunately, the other three stories in this volume are more rewarding. The second is the story of a meek student who learns to stand up to the abusive teacher who drove her best friend to suicide. It's truly moving and one of the best stories in the series.

The third story is about bullying, a fairly common theme in shojo manga generally. What makes this story stand out is that it is told from the perspective of the best friend of the victim, who feels guilty that she lets fear stop her from intervening. Where most such stories focus on the interaction between the persecutor and persecuted, this story adds extra depth by showing the pressures inflicted upon the victim's relationships. This is another very touching chapter.

The final chapter is a romance between two girls. As with the previous chapter, the story is told not by the victim (this time of incest and sexual abuse) but the best friend, and a further twist to the usual story structure has her almost become an aggressor herself. Ririko falls in love with her best friend Kanno, but her love becomes obsession as she blurs fantasy with reality and her desire to protect Kanno from harm borders on possessiveness. There are some tender, romantic moments in this dark, unique love story and it makes for a rewarding read.

For fans of the series, the quality of the last three stories make up for the disappointment of the first, whilst newcomers to the series would be better starting elsewhere.