Suiiki

In the midst of a blazing hot summer beset by water shortages, middle-school girl Chinami faints from heat exhaustion. Upon waking, she finds herself in a strange place. That opening is evocative, and the series builds a quiet folk-tale mood out of heat, drought and a village that holds something back. The premise is subtle and hushed.The strength is the atmosphere. The summer heat and the drought give the story an oppressive, tactile sense of place. The supernatural touches feel gentle and folkloric.The weaknesses are clear. The story is very short, so it leaves some threads open, and readers wanting clear explanations may be disappointed.Recommended for readers who enjoy subtle, folk-tale-inflected stories with a strong sense of season. Expect a quiet, lingering read.