More than a travel guide, this graphic novel offers a vibrant portrayal of a unique place and time in Japan. Artist Florent Chavouet, having only visited two islands before, embarks on a journey to the tiny Manabeshima Island, home to just 300 residents. He dedicates his summer to documenting the island's life and its inhabitants in his sketchbook, capturing their quirks and stories in detail. Unlike his previous work, which focused on the bustling city of Tokyo, this narrative centers on the local people who embody the island's spirit. Chavouet’s sensitive illustrations and insightful captions create rich, instant portraits of the characters he encounters, including Ikkyu-san, the bar owner, and his three regulars; the Nakamura family with their five children; Shimura-san, a relic of the 1970s; Kurata-san, the policeman; and Reizo-san, the island’s intellectual. He also meets Rock, a Neanderthal fisherman, along with a chorus of grandmothers and cats. Set against the backdrop of summer festivals, fishing trips, and the sound of cicadas, Chavouet portrays these characters with warmth and empathy, making it difficult for readers to part with them, just as he struggled to leave the island after his enchanting summer.
