Novel - Cold Sleep
Author: Narise Konohara
Illustrator: Nanao Saikawa
ISBN-10: 1-56970-887-8
Publisher: Juné Manga
English Translator: Douglas W. Dlin & Iori
Comments:
For once, a yaoi novel that's more based on plot! This story is a lot more plot and character driven. And unlike many other novels by Narise Konohara, this one has a more serious feel to it. Although the general plot/storyline was indeed very interesting, the way it is laid out in the novel doesn't flow together as nicely as it could have. A lot of areas only nipped the tip of a topic (such as Tohru's past or how/why Fujishima took Tohru in) but never quite went far enough in. Had it gone further with such subjects, the story would've been a lot more complete, in a sense. I just felt as though there were far too many loose ends. Even so, this story had it's very fluffy and cutesy moments as well. Two short stories are also included in this novel, entitled "Reunion" and "The One I Love". The translation of this novel was also somewhat on the lower end with a number of small grammatical errors.
Summary
After a serious car accident that left Tohru Takahisa completely lost as to who he was and everything else about himself, the only person who holds out a hand to help is Fujishima. Fujishima brings Tohru back to his apartment after Tohru is released from the hospital and does everything he possibly can to help Tohru adjust to his current life, after amnesia. Whenever Tohru questions Fujishima about their relationship and why he's doing so much for someone who doesn't even remember him, Fujishima simply says that they were quite close friends in school. Unsatisfied with this, Tohru sets out to find out his past and his real relationship with Fujishima. However, will Tohru be able to come to terms with the truth of his past?
Story Snippet
Snippet from Cold Sleep on Pages 78-80 (Page 79 is an Image)
"What's with you all of a sudden?" Kusada looked down dubiously at Tohru sitting by his feet. Tohru tugged at the cuff of Kusada's trousers, raised his finger across his lips, and appealed for his silence with a small "Sh!" At the sound of the automatic doors opening, Kusada smiled in conditioned response and voiced a cheery "Welcome!" as a greeting, then gave a surprised glance down to Tohru at his feet.
Hurried footsteps apprached the counter. He could hear unnaturally rough breathing.
"Um...this may be a foolish question, but..." There was no mistake--it was the man with whom he'd argued three hours ago. "...I believe a man named Tohru Takahisa works here part-time..."
Kusada nudged Tohru's leg with his right heel as a way of saying, "What do I do?"
"Yes, he does. That is...but he's not on shift tonight."
"I see. Well, I--uh, that is..." Fujishima was stuttered a bit. "Would you happen to know where he is, where Takahisa is?"
Again, Kusada nudged his leg. As Kusada glanced down, Tohru crossed his fingers in an X in front of his mouth, signing for him not to tell. "I'm sorry, I'm really not sure..." Kusada bluffed, his face calm.
"Well then, would you happen to know of anyone else who would be close to him?"
"I'm afraid I really don't, sorry." That was how it was. with no doubt in mind, Fujishima had come looking for him where he worked.
"I see. Sorry to have disturbed your work...
The footsteps grew distant. Then, just as Tohru was having second thoughts about whether he should have hidden, hurried footsteps apprached the counter once again.
"Er, if he shows up here, or even if he doesn't, if you happen to meet him, please let him know that Fujishima was apologizing." Fujishima then went home.
Illustration Samples
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