Given by Natsuki Kizu
Given has a special place in my heart. I have watched the anime first before reading the manga and I instantly fell in love. It has become one of my favourite series as it was what I needed at the time when I was struggling.
It takes you on an emotional journey about Mafuyu who wants to learn how to play a guitar that he specifically carries around. Uenoyama at first wanted to regain his sleeping place but after meeting Mafuyu, he couldn’t help but be drawn to him. This story focuses on healing from loss and reigniting passion for music. Their relationship builds gradually and we learn about why Mafuyu is carrying that particular guitar. The story doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, but instead, it shows how each character finds their way forward.
Mafuyu has difficulty expressing his emotions and choices but through music, we see him overcome this. Uenoyama is swept into Mafuyu’s journey too and we see him finding love for writing music and playing guitar again. Uenoyama supports Mafuyu like a pillar, pushing him forth and guiding him through music while Mafuyu inspires Uenoyama in ways he never expected.
Even though Mafuyu and Uenoyama’s relationship is the centre of Given, the author beautifully develops stories of the other band members. I like how flawed these relationships are and we see how their relationships grow into something genuine and healing.
Overall, I am satisfied with the way it ended and I won’t ever forget how much this series has healed me. If you haven’t read Given yet, please give it a try and I also recommend watching the anime because the music and the animation is so good.
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