A Classmate Who Was Used To Be Called “Shirobuta” (White Pig) Became Known as “Snow White” and Is Now Featured in Gravure Magazines After a Few Years of Not Seeing Her

かつて白ブタと呼ばれていたクラスメイトが何年か見ない間に白雪姫とか呼ばれて雑誌のグラビアを飾っていた · Original Japanese title

Also known as: Katsute shiro buta to yoba rete ita kurasumeito ga nan-nen ka minai ma ni shirayukihime toka yoba rete zasshi no gurabia o kazatte ita, かつて白ブタと呼ばれていたクラスメイトが何年か見ない間に白雪姫とか呼ばれて雑誌のグラビアを飾っていた

By 竜山　三郎丸

★★★★★ 3.3 14 ratings

japanese Web Novel

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Reviewed by Kana

Who it's for, and whether it holds up.

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My Thoughts on A Classmate Who Was Used To Be Called “Shirobuta” (White Pig) Became Known as “Snow White” and Is Now Featured in Gravure Magazines After a Few Years of Not Seeing Her

Okay, let's dive into this title. It's a mouthful, I know, but the premise definitely piqued my interest. The idea of a childhood classmate undergoing a dramatic transformation and then reappearing in the MC's life as a gravure model? Sounds like a recipe for some potentially interesting romance and slice-of-life moments.

First Impressions

My initial reaction was curiosity. The title sets up a clear before-and-after scenario, promising a story about change, self-discovery, and maybe even redemption. I was hoping for a heartwarming tale about overcoming bullying and finding inner beauty, with a touch of romance thrown in.

What Works Well

The core concept has potential. Childhood friend stories always hit a soft spot, and the "glow-up" trope can be compelling when executed well. I can see the appeal of exploring the protagonist's reaction to seeing someone they knew in a completely different light, especially given their shared history. The tags also suggest a loner protagonist, which adds another layer of complexity to the dynamic. The potential for emotional depth is definitely there.

Areas of Concern

However, I do have some reservations. The execution seems to be a point of contention. It sounds like the writing style might be a bit clunky, making it difficult to follow who's speaking and potentially hindering the overall flow of the story. If the narrative isn't clear and engaging, it can be hard to connect with the characters and invest in their journey. I also worry that the story might be too reliant on the "glow-up" aspect without exploring the underlying emotional issues and character development in a meaningful way.

Final Verdict

Overall, "A Classmate Who Was Used To Be Called “Shirobuta” (White Pig) Became Known as “Snow White” and Is Now Featured in Gravure Magazines After a Few Years of Not Seeing Her" has a compelling premise with the potential for a heartwarming romance and slice-of-life story. However, the execution seems to be a significant hurdle. If the writing can be improved to create a smoother and more engaging reading experience, this could be a worthwhile read. As it stands, I'd approach it with cautious optimism.

Synopsis

There was a girl I used to play with in my early elementary school days. Her name was Kirika Shirata, and she was a small, fat but charming girl who would often visit me at home. Her house was rather rich, and she always had expensive looking snacks to look forward to. –By the time we reached the upper-grade of elementary school, boys naturally started to hang out with boys and the girls with girls, and an atmosphere of “it’s dumb to hang out with the opposite sex” naturally developed. There was no exception for me and Shirata, and I began to distance myself from her because I didn’t like the way others treated us, and at about the same time, she became known as “white pig” and was teased because of her appearance. Although we lived in the same neighborhood and often walked home together, I don’t remember talking with her properly until we graduated. Time has passed and I, Satsuki Ameno, am now in my second year of high school. Although I went to a different junior high school and high school from Shirata, I still feel a little guilty sometimes when I remember her. We live close to each other, but I haven’t seen her since graduation. Then one day, a girl shows up at the convenience store where I work part-time twice a week. She had come to buy the manga magazine that was on sale that day. “You work here, right?” “Isn’t that you, Satsuki?” “Oh, you don’t remember me by any chance? I’m not sure.” “S-Shira… ta?” The girl who was once ridiculed as a white pig has grown into a beautiful girl with slender black hair and white skin. And she was the gravure on the cover of the manga magazine she held in her hands. This is a slow-paced love story that moves forward little by little while guilt puts the brakes on.

A Classmate Who Was Used To Be Called “Shirobuta” (White Pig) Became Known as “Snow White” and Is Now Featured in Gravure Magazines After a Few Years of Not Seeing Her

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