Having read a synopsis about this manga, I knew I was in for some sad situations. I just didn't expect for this manga to get such a strong grip on my heart! During the first story, it was all I could do to keep from tearing up in the store!The book deals with the after effects of Hiroshima. Now some would expect to see some political message or some heavy drama ala Barefoot Gen. Well, both are there, but both elements are done subtly & creep up on you slowly. 
 The first story in the book concerns a young woman called Minami, who has survived the blast. Her story tells of her horrific experiences, from trying to find her family amongst the dead bodies to her crippling survivor's guilt afterwards. The second story picks up further down the road & follows Minami's niece Nanami. While the second story (the first featuring Nanami) is fairly lighthearted, it does show the secondary effects of Hiroshima- how the blast is affecting the children born afterwards. The final story shows Nanami years later as an adult & is more serious in tone. Nanami follows her father as he goes off on one of his jaunts, only to discover that he is going to Hiroshima. Once she's there, she is told of her family's past as well as her father's feelings about the event itself. 
 The first story in this book had me almost in tears. The emotions in this manga are so incredibly strong that it will take many by surprise. The artwork isn't as flashy as other books out there, but this was a wise move by the author. Kouno decided to let her story take front stage & the book is all that much more powerful for it. 
 This is one book that I recommend every manga fan read at least once, if not buy. It's quite a few different emotions all tied up into one slender volume & it's one heck of a tale.