A Bride’s Story volume 11 picks up where the previous one left off with Smith planning to set off traveling again. But he certainly wasn’t planning on Talas fleeing her arranged marriage to be with Smith!
Before their reunion, though, I was taken aback. The first chapter is titled “Song of Midwinter”, and it does have a bit of poetry-like vibe to the text since there’s no dialogue as it tells how Amir and company are spending winter. However, it reads like a children’s book. There’s minimal text, and it uses present tense like a kid’s picture book would. (“She listens to Karluk’s stories of falconry.”) The next chapter is from Talas’ perspective. While this chapter does have some dialogue, it’s mostly Talas narrating her situation and internal misery. It’s not a bad chapter, but considering readers are waiting a year between volumes, flashbacks are hardly what people are clamoring for.
Fortunately, once Talas meets up with Smith (thanks to her fiancé, who kindly helps escorts her to Ankara), A Bride’s Story returns to being the A Bride’s Story that I love.
The actual reunion and direct aftermath wraps up quicker than I expected. Talas begs Smith to allow her to come along even as a servant. Smith is flustered, but he does propose not too long after they meet. I thought he might protest more, that his love of traveling and gathering information would make taking a woman along too dangerous even for a woman with Talas’ background. His friend is certainly shocked that Smith would consider it. But she’s coming along as his wife (or his fiancée I guess, if they register their marriage in England or whatever). Talas is moved by this, but throughout the story tries to minimize any imposition she might be on the trail (earning money, carrying few supplies, making food). So it’s rewarding when she spots a log swing, prompting Smith to treat her. On the ride, she looks the happiest I think anyone’s ever seen her. The feeling of soaring in the air with her beloved combined with Mori’s exceptional art is just beautiful.
…Do I really have to discuss the art? It’s still gorgeous. And amazing. And awesome. And I could go on, but you get the idea. And if you don’t, you need to rectify that immediately and pick up this series.
Anyway, after learning how to operate a camera and gathering supplies, Smith sets out with Talas, and two guides, and the volume ends with them reaching their first destination. Smith’s plan is to retrace his steps, so I’m guessing Mori’s plan is to revisit all the couples in A Bride’s Story (with perhaps the occasional new couple) until he reaches his destination, bringing the manga to its conclusion. I have no idea how long that will take, but hopefully it avoids the childish opening. I also wasn’t a fan of the chapter that showed the journey Smith’s watch went on, as Smith spotting it feels a bit too hokey for a realistic story like this. The process of picture taking along with all the hard work that goes into making a four- to six-month journey is more A Bride’s Story‘s style.
But despite volume 11’s missteps, the wait for A Bride’s Story continues pay off. Readers I’m sure are anxious to see some of the other heroines, but Talas’ happiness and the start of her life with Smith should not be missed.