Coming into this manga I already had a preconceived notion that it would be your average detective fiction with a slight twist, only to be proven the complete opposite. It's been a long time since I have come across a manga that on the surface level seems straightforward while simultaneously delivering a complex tale of a somber reality. This manga is an adaptation made from the original light novel. I have not read the source material and will not make parallels or comparisons to it in any way.
The Apothecary Diary is set in an Asian feudal era and follows the herbalist and poison enthusiast Mao Mao that gets abducted. She was then sold and forced to work as a servant in the emperor's court among the countless other servants and concubines. Hoping to be released from her service in the nearest future Mao Mao tries to be as inconspicuous as possible. This proved to be more difficult than anticipated after she secretly helped cure the imperial heirs with her medical knowledge got found out, leading to her appointment as a food taster.
What then follows is the brilliant interlacing of comedy, tragedy, and mystery. At first glance, the manga can be experienced lighthearted, almost comedic, which it certainly is at times but the main topic in my eyes is the overarching serious theme of the female pressures in society. The mystery element complements it admirably, as more is understood about the main subject as the mysteries are slowly revealed through the story. Every arc explores a new mysterious incident that shows further insight into the royal court. What's amazing is that it also manages to string everything together into one larger plot that connects all seemingly small and irrelevant issues that occur. The most impressive part is that the author hides these serious topics in plain sight with the dynamic, jovial characters, subtle implications, and appropriately placed playful moments.
Many different works include concubines and larger harems, often as fanservice, and in other cases as an uncreative harem. The Apothecary Diaries, deep-dives into the perspective of the concubines and the world that they live in. Other than keeping appearances up to a certain standard, concubines require other qualities to survive in such a competitive environment. Intelligence, elegance, etiquette, or some skill that can be used to entertain like dancing or board games are required to reach the top. Although the high-class concubines receive the preferential treatment they can still be removed and punished for a simple mistake. Living conditions depend on the favor of the emperor, leading to a constant ruthless rivalry between the concubines. Consequently, this breeds frequent hostile plots amidst themselves, often leading to atrocities. Further, it is interesting to see how the servants of high-class concubines function and participate in the hostilities, usually directed towards other servants, concubines, and sometimes even their own master. On the other hand, some servants become obsessively loyal, and actively work to elevate their master up the social hierarchy. Each facet of this environment creates an exceptional showcase of jealousy, betrayal, loyalty, and ambition.
The brilliance of this manga doesn't stay within the palace walls. When at occasion it's taken outside the royal court the story continued on the same topic but instead turned towards the pleasure district. Asides from being an important part of the main protagonist's childhood, the district depicts much like in the court, a conflicting reality of the workers there. On one side the women that work in brothels are alike caged birds, who at times suffer at the hands of the customers or diseases. On the other hand, the brothel is a safe area unlike other parts of the pleasure district where pretty women risk getting assaulted, kidnapped, or worse. On top of that not, every courtesan sells their bodies, some choose to sell their talents. Comparable to the inner court, with reputation and skill comes greater autonomy and quality of life. The most beautiful and skillful courtesans can earn money equal to a whole year's salary over a cup of tea. In admiration of these women, many come aspiring to be one of them, but of course, it is no easy feat to achieve. Even the young live-in apprentice's aren't guaranteed success in the future. The characters presented here are very real and human, some have become broken over the years, some still have childlike dreams, while some are in between joy and desperation. These conflicts show in the interactions, gestures, and expressions, and the character's contentment is often left for interpretation to the reader, which makes it so much better.
Mao Mao: our main protagonist is the decisive factor that makes this storytelling come together almost seamlessly. Growing up in the pleasure district and experiencing various things has made her very mature for her age. Besides being very intelligent, perceptive, and amusing she possesses an abnormal obsession with poison and medicine. This developed obsession could be explained to work as a distraction, a way to keep her going and find purpose in her existence in the harsh, unforgiving surroundings. Mao Mao's official job is being a food taster at the royal court but when her medical expertise is required she functions as a consultant and detective. Her deductions and observations give room for some consideration on the reader's end, in some cases even presenting multiple theories on the matter. Frequently, the motive in the crimes is left unclear. Mao Mao tries to appear distant to avoid trouble but is very caring and compassionate, regularly helping people she doesn't need to help. She is often conflicted when ordered to point out someone for a crime because she doesn't want to feel responsible for their punishment. So when she provides all the necessary information involving the case except the name she feels like a coward and a hypocrite. To keep things shorter, she is a well-rounded character well complemented by the rest of the side cast around her making Mao Mao shine even brighter.
The art in the manga is versatile, serving to shift between different atmospheres. Whether it wants to be cute, eerie, funny, or beautiful it manages to capture all of those emotions perfectly. There are few scenes depicting architecture or nature whereas the character designs are where the art truly excels. There is extra attention and variation to the clothing and accessory of all the different characters adding additional charm and exclusivity to every character. There is not much more to say, it is easy on the eyes and does what it's supposed to do.
In an effort to summarize my thoughts about this piece I can never seem to be quite satisfied with the result. My intent with this review was to clarify a bit more to myself why I loved this manga, and although I had more things that I would've liked to bring up I figured it would be better to keep it shorter in case somebody is interested. While others might not have the same experience that I had, I hope that they still give it a try and hopefully find some enjoyment in it. I look forward to future chapters!