I made the mistake of reading this chapter last night, only because it left me wide awake feeling both unsettled and unsatisfied with the outcome of events. I just want to know, did anyone else have a problem reading this chapter as well? Were you not irked – no, completely irritated by Nana’s actions (or lack thereof) toward Ren this time around? Did it not bother anyone else that Nana’s refusal in sacrificing just one hour of her precious time toward visiting Ren would have helped him tenfold? What was the reasoning behind her complete lack of concern as well as her stubbornness in avoiding him at all costs? What was she waiting for? When she was told repeatedly to visit him, why didn’t she get a clue that something was terribly wrong with him? She kept dreaming about him, so why didn’t she just take some initiative and do something to relieve both of their miseries? …why didn’t she? Truly, this must have been one of the saddest and most frustrating chapters to date, and why I loved it so. (Note: Major spoilers beyond this point!)
The conclusion to this chapter left me speechless for obvious reasons, one being that Ren’s death could’ve been avoided (possibly) had Nana paid more attention to him and actually shown concern for his welfare. I really can’t comprehend why she wouldn’t want to see him, especially since she had obviously been miserable without him. However, considering all that we’ve seen between those two, perhaps she was trying to curb her anxiety-ridden addiction to him and felt the best way to remedy her addiction was to stay as far away as possible. I can certainly understand, since it’s a human desire to yearn for things and especially people that necessarily aren’t right for us (even though in our minds we believe that they are). You can’t get enough sometimes…so the only way to cope is to stay away and try to forget… Still…I fail to understand her actions this time around. However, I understand that some actions just can’t be explained. I know that I am guilty of reacting bizarrely, mostly out of fear than anything else.
I’d also like to mention that I am quite aware that I take this story way too seriously sometimes, and one would even call me obsessed…but I love writing about it. I love talking about it. And essentially, I can highly relate to it, so it’s appealing to me. Also, it may come as no surprise to some of you that I am a huge fan of thoughtful and poignant shows such as Battlestar Galactica in which its flawed and imperfect characters are forced to face the consequences of their actions, and things don’t always go according to plan. Such is the case with NANA. The characters may be a work of fiction, but their flaws, actions, and reactions are so damned realistic that it’s impossible to walk away from it unscathed. NANA’s characters are far from perfect, and they’re forced to live with their regrets and missed opportunities in life. Well, I am awaiting to read the remaining chapters to see how Nana will cope with the devastating reality of Ren’s absence, and I look forward to writing my thoughts on it…so stay tuned, please.
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Yeah, this particular chapter is probably the most important turning point of the series since… years?
I do understand the argument between Nana and Ren. I think she has always felt very weak in their relationship and constantly tried to break out by leaving him and by not being just his “wife” but do her own thing. I also don’t think she ever got over the fact that he left her for Trapnest, and so all the baggage from their past might be one reason for her to be so stubborn with him. It does make sense in some way for me, I think. What I don’t understand, however, is the way Nana reacted to Ren’s death. I actually expected her to have a complete nervous breakdown, suicide attempts etc. - after all, it was very clear from the beginning that she and Ren shared an unusually strong love to the point that it is incomprehensible. I also expected Nana to feel guilty, not so much Reira… Oh well.
I read this chapter a while ago, and I actually felt like I understood her quite well. I also felt that her reaction was normal (at least it is similar to how I would react). In the up coming chapters I think Sasa will see something closer to what she wants, I found Nana’s reaction in the new chapters well up to the last one I read… to be out of character for her. Although maybe not as she has two sides to her which is what makes her so appealing you never know which side your going to see the girl side or the tough rebel side.
I also find this story irresistible as are most of her manga’s/animes. She is an excellent writer and even tho she markets her stuff to girls, as a guy I still find them amongst my favorites. I am always left desiring more from all her works especially Nana.
love everything about this series
Sasa - I don’t understand her reaction, either. She seemed so indifferent toward his death, as if it didn’t really matter to her. However, I’ve read the most recent chapters, and the reality of his absence will finally hit home, as Steven mentioned.
Steven - I suppose her reaction was one of denial initially, since she didn’t want to accept this bleak reality that he was gone for good…and never to be felt or touched ever again. That reality…is impossibly difficult to bear. It’s a feeling of total despair, hopelesness, and a feeling that nothing will be the same ever again. It’s that aching need for someone that will never be…
Mz. Ai Yazawa really is an excelling writer, and why I felt the most connection to her stories more than any other. I’m glad that you are able to relate to NANA as well, since I don’t think that it’s purely for women’s eyes only.
Animenerdz - Awesome, so do I!
Thank you for the feedback.
From the start Nana has always tried to play the strong type. You can see her break down often enough to see that she needs support, but at the start of every new challenge she tries to be very strong. I think if she would have broken down right away she would have been betraying who she is.
I think what makes her (the author) interesting is she is willing to throw ordinary people in out of the ordinary circumstances. I.E. in Nana she of course threw an innocent girl into the music scene and in Paradise Kiss a high school girl into the fashion scene. On top of this she is very good at creating interesting circumstances using real life examples rather than relying on the typical manga/anime unrealistic ploys to move her stories forward.