(I read this arc in exchange for a review)

This is the story of about wanting to paint, but it never happening.

The book was not interesting if you just looked at the story, but the landscape drawings were beautiful. The characters, however, were not. The contrast between the nature drawings and the not so detailed characters was odd.

The storyline is hard to follow and the mythical animal, the tanaki, is a strange touch in what could have been a cute little graphic novel.

I would not recommend it for the writing quality, but I have to admit that some pages deserve a look.

beautiful beautiful story and art that accompanied me during a windy afternoon. this was my first graphic novel but certainly won't be my last!

"Men always like to see themselves as champions, whether of creation or of destruction. Now and again, nature reminds them she got here first and she knows what's what." (pg. 103)
Beautiful graphic novel filled with serene illustrations that transport us to a little rural town in Japan. The story revolves around nature and art and the way both are deeply connected. Some fantasy elements can be found throughout the story which made it even more magical.

This is a beautifully illustrated, charming graphic novel. There is a sense of humor in Meurisse's art style, particularly when depicting people. It provides the perfect contrast to her loving and detailed depictions of landscapes and elements of nature. The two combined work amazingly well together, and the story flows seamlessly.

There are elements of fantasy, though I would categorize this more as magical realism. If you're a fan of Ghibli films, this story will appeal to you (and they're referenced in it as well).

Gorgeous illustrations make you long to be in rural Japan
We prefer the temporary which, when renewed, points to the eternal.

The Young Woman and the Sea contains a story of an illustrator travelling through rural Japan to paint nature. Along the way she is visited by a tanuki (talking and mischievous racoon) and meets another painter who prefers to work with haiku until the perfect picture comes along. We learn of folktales involving love triangles and natural disasters also loom from over the sea. It is a serene read Catherine Meurisse offers to us, beautifully illustrated and full of love and wonder for the disappearing Japanese countryside (occasionally marred by large concrete walls to guard people from tsunamis). If I can’t understand anything, I can at least feel something, right? the narrator mentions, and feeling is certainly something successfully evoked by this book. Recommended for anyone interested in Japan!