Title

Life

Also known as: ライフ, Raifu

by Keiko Suenobu

Score from AniList: 75/100finished20 volumes80 chapters

DramaPsychologicalSlice of Life

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All Ayumu dreams of is making it into the same high school as her best friend. But when she gets in and her friend doesn't, their friendship crumbles—sending Ayumu spiraling into depression. She finds relief in cutting herself, but soon realizes that her scars may interfere with her budding high school life. Can she trust her new friend, Manami, who seems too good to be true? Or will Ayumu's apparent lack of compassion and understanding get her tossed aside like she was before? And is there anyone else out there who could possibly love her for who she is? A melancholy coming-of-age story by Keiko Suenobu! (Source: Kodansha) Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award in the shoujo category in 2006.

Chapters available: 80
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4/5

A harrowing, honest school drama about friendship, pressure and depression that treats its painful subjects with care and asks a careful reader.

Pros

An honest, sensitive portrayal of a teenager's struggle
Realistic school and friendship dynamics

Cons

Very heavy themes that can be emotionally draining
Not a good fit for readers who are struggling right now

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Read the full take

Ayumu's whole world narrows to one goal: getting into the same high school as her best friend. When that goal goes wrong, the friendship breaks and her life starts to unravel. The series is about the pressures teenagers carry, and it opens with a fall that feels painfully realistic. The tone is heavy from the first pages.The strength is honesty. The story looks closely at school hierarchy, peer pressure and the quiet ways a young person can drift away from help. It does not look away from its painful themes, and the portrait of a teenager trying to find her footing feels sincere.The weaknesses matter. The subject matter is very heavy, and it can be emotionally draining from start to finish. Some readers may find the material hard to sit with, and anyone who is struggling right now should take care before starting.Recommended for readers who want serious, emotionally direct coming-of-age drama. Read with care and check in with yourself as you go.