In this historical drama exploring themes of grief and found family, a lonely man is tasked with caring for an unwanted girl in order to investigate the mystery behind his parents’ deaths.

Ever since he was a child, Haruichi has been haunted by the mystery surrounding his parents’ deaths. When he receives a note claiming that a wealthy family was involved in the tragedy, Haruichi sets out to find answers, taking a job as the caretaker for the family’s young daughter. But when he discovers a surprising kinship with his new ward Tsubaki, it complicates his reasons for being there.

Does he keep Tsubaki and her family at a safe distance so he can finally find the answers he’s been seeking his whole life… or does he embrace the possibilities of having the family he’s always dreamed of?

Haruichi has had a harrowing young life. When his parents died, he was taken in by a couple that spoke abusively to him, denigrated him, made him work hard doing all the chores in the house, etc. He was mostly isolated and made to feel unwanted. He also, as a child, befriended a young girl who was his only friend to play with, and she promised she would marry him when he grew up. Instead chose Haruichi’s older brother when the time came. Because of these heartbreaks over and over, Haruichi vows to never love again.

When Haruichi is nineteen, to his surprise he receives a mysterious letter telling him that a girl named Tsubaki Yaotome is connected to his parents’ deaths. Almost like magic, at the same time, Haruichi receives an invitation to the massive Yaotome estate to work as Tsubaki’s caretaker. Tsubaki’s quite young, but I never figured out her exact age–she looks seven but speaks more like she’s nine or ten. Anyway, Tsubaki is introduced to Haruichi by smashing into him as she chases a cat around.

The maidservant yells at Tsubaki rudely, and Haruichi objects to this, because he remembers all of the times he was treated badly as a child. He forms a sense of kinship with Tsubaki.

Haruichi thus learns that he has met his charge, Tsubaki. He discovers that she is treated poorly because she is the daughter of a concubine–the head of the family of Yaotome cheated on his wife. There’s also, of course, the mystery behind how she is tied to the death of Haruichi’s parents, so while he is growing attached to Tsubaki as his ward, he also has alternative motives.

He’s sniffed out, too. The other Yaotome daughter, Kaede, has a fiancé that is adored by Tsubaki, and he gives Haruichi a not-so-casual warning to mind his business.

The manga does a great job building the mystery while simultaneously building what looks to be a sweet relationship between Haruichi and Tsubaki. I can only imagine how the tension will ramp up once Haruichi gets closer to the truth and sees Tsubaki’s role in it. But for now, Haruichi sees parts of himself–at least his childhood situation–in the way Tsubaki is treated, so he really does end up being the perfect choice as caretaker for her. I just know deep down that pain will be coming as the two get closer and closer.

The art in the manga is gorgeous, with clearly defined characters and a sense of a historical era in Japan. I’m guessing Meiji due to the combination of Western and Japanese attire, and the architecture of the Yaotome mansion. Even if I’m wrong, you get a clear sense this is a historical story set in a plausible past. I really enjoy Tsubaki’s character design, and Haruichi makes compelling expressions, especially when he his hurt, in contemplation, or surprised. As readers of my reviews know, capturing emotion is very important to me, and this manga does an excellent job of doing so.

I’m curious to read the next book in this series to find out what’s going to happen to Tsubaki and Haruichi, and if the mystery will ever be solved. I’m awarding this 4.25 stars on Goodreads.

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This manga was received as a digital review copy directly from the publisher TOKYOPOP, and I am happy to leave a review. Beneath the Falling Camellia Blooms is available at a wide variety of booksellers online and in store. You can get a physical or digital copy direct from the publisher. Volume 2 is also available now.