Sad, dramatic, and sweet. A Silent Voice, better known as Koe No Kitachi, is one of the first mangas I ever read, all the way back in 2020. Since then, I’ve read it through another two times, so that should convey my appreciation for this work.
The story follows Shoya Ishida from his once carefree and chaotic childhood to his miserable teenage years, where he finds himself trying to make amends with a deaf girl he bullied almost relentlessly in elementary school. Shoko, the aforementioned deaf girl, eventually comes to accept Ishida’s apology and he himself begins to realise that he wants to remain in her life, subsequently abandoning his initial plan to commit suicide.
Across the following months, Ishida and Shoko reunite with some people from their elementary school days, which leads to blossoming friendships as well as causing a lot of unsettled bitterness to resurface between some of the friends.
Aside from portraying Ishida’s guilt and loneliness in a very believable manner (having been isolated for being a bully), Ōima also highlights the flaws of each character, whilst showcasing that Ishida can never undo the pain that Shoko endured – nor can Shoko relieve herself of feeling like a burden to everyone around her.
Despite the linking factor being Shoko, Ishida makes the biggest impression. He is a nervous and uncertain character, a shell of his once bombastic and arrogant attitudes, but still contains a considerate side and becomes particularly close with Shoko’s little sister after some effort.
Overall, it’s a very solid manga, and one that I most likely hold a favourable bias towards. It is a melodramatic story that attempts to showcase the friendliness within others, whilst also presenting how each of their logic and experiences clash as the group mostly revolves around Ishida and Shoko’s bond. It also shows, rather than tells, about the sort of struggles and lack of consideration a deaf child must face when pit against unimpaired children.
Naturally, saying much more will give out too much detail to those who haven’t read it. I would recommend it, but I can also respect that some of the small story arcs are quite forgetful (hence why most were omitted in the animated film). In summary, it’s still a very compelling manga and one that is oriented towards late teens and young adults.
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