Innocent World

Yamamura, a small-time con artist drowning in gambling debt, gets unexpected news of an inheritance from a relative he barely remembers. Elated, he soon finds out there’s a catch—he must care for his cousin Hirokuni, who was kidnapped as a child and raised in the jungle. Unfamiliar with civilization, Hirokuni is a challenge. Reluctantly, Yamamura takes him in, planning to abandon him if things go wrong.

Original Publisher

libre

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Innocent World "Innocent World" is a novel that definitely left an impression, and not always a comfortable one. Diving into this story was like stepping into a whirlwind of messy emotions and questionable decisions, but ultimately, it was a journey I found myself invested in. ### First Impressions From the get-go, the narrative throws you into a rather niche and potentially divisive setting. It's a story that hinges on flawed characters making less-than-ideal choices, so if you're expecting everyone to act rationally, you might be disappointed. However, if you're like me and enjoy watching characters grow (or sometimes stumble) through their imperfections, this might be right up your alley. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of "Innocent World" is the potential for character growth, particularly with the main character. He's frustrating, even pathetic at times, but I couldn't help but root for him. There's a raw vulnerability to him that makes you want to see him find happiness, even when he seems determined to sabotage himself. I also found myself appreciating the unexpected sweetness from some of the side characters, like the elder parental figures to the MC and ML. Their support added a heartwarming layer to the otherwise angsty narrative. Although the romantic feelings aren't crystal clear, the ML's protectiveness and genuine care for the MC were compelling. ### Areas of Concern The ending felt somewhat abrupt and left me with unanswered questions. I was particularly curious about the MC's mother and her reasons for leaving, and I would have loved to delve deeper into the ML's perspective. A bit more closure and exploration of these areas would have significantly enhanced the overall experience. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I have to mention a potential spoiler here. The elder characters acting as parental figures to the MC and ML was very sweet. The lawyer seemed unreasonably trusting at first, but he redeemed himself in my view. I actually agree with many of his opinions on the MC. The MC himself is pretty frustrating and even pathetic at times, yet you can't help but root for his happiness. I didn't get as attached to the ML, but some of his actions were very sweet and sincere. We don't know until the end if he truly has romantic feelings for the MC, but he genuinely cares for and protects him, and that's more than enough. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws and unanswered questions, "Innocent World" is a captivating read that I found myself emotionally invested in. It's a short, dramatic, and messy love story that might not be for everyone, but if you're looking for a character-driven narrative with plenty of room for growth, it's worth checking out. Just be prepared for some frustration along the way!