This work is a sequel and spin-off of “汝、星のごとく” and consists of chapters about Mr. Kitahara, his editors, and Akemi.
① Mr. Kitahara’s Story
This story depicts Mr. Kitahara’s past.
Kitahara, a high school teacher, meets his student Nana at the hospital and learns that she is pregnant while suffering from parental control and an unwanted marriage.
To protect her, Kitahara decides to take the baby (Yuu), lying and saying he will raise her as his own.
His own pain, hidden behind his determination and kindness, is also revealed.
② The Story of Editors Ueki and Eri
This section depicts the struggles of the editors working with Kai, who has become a manga author.
The editors’ efforts to bring out Kai’s talent overlap with Kai’s life, completing the story left unsaid in the previous work.
I once dreamed of becoming an editor, but after reading this work, I realized that the job of an editor is truly challenging, yet incredibly rewarding.
③ Akemi’s Story
Akemi’s life afterward.
After caring for Kai, Akatsukimi continues her mutual aid society marriage with Kitahara-sensei.
As she spends peaceful days with Yuu, the story depicts a quiet hope that “life goes on” despite the loss she endures.
Review
- A story that relieves the “pain” of the previous work.
The previous work, “汝、星のごとく” was often heartbreaking, but this work has been praised as a gentle sequel that gently soothes that pain.
In particular, the revelation of Kitahara-sensei’s past provides a deeper understanding of his reasons for acting, and many readers have commented that it is heartwarming.
I was surprised that the story covers Akemi until she was about 50 years old. - Kitahara-sensei’s form of “love” is overwhelming.
Kitahara-sensei’s decisions depicted in this work raise the question of self-sacrifice or ultimate love.
The pain and kindness in his life are carefully portrayed, bringing tears to the reader’s eyes.
Personally, I wish Kitahara-sensei had found happiness when he was younger. - Depicting a new form of “family.”
The relationship between Akemi, Kitahara, and Yuu is different from the typical family image,
but it is filled with the warmth of mutual consideration and support.
The theme of “family by choice, not blood ties” quietly lingers in my mind.
“星を編む” fills in the “missing pieces” of the characters left unsaid in the previous work,
and depicts the hope that lies beyond the pain.
Kitahara-sensei’s past, the people who supported Kai’s talent, and Akatsukimi’s future. Reading the previous work will enable you to enjoy this work even more.
The lives of multiple characters are depicted, providing strength for us as we continue to live our lives.
