Author: Akaishi Michiyo
Genera: Mystery/drama…I suppose
Total Number of Volumes: 8
Anime Status: None that I know of, but there was a live-action drama series.
Synopsis:
Shiori is a very gifted actress, but since she was the product of an affair with a very famous actor and actress, her existence must remain unknown, so she is not allowed to act in movies. So instead, she is a "private actress". Much like a con artist, she’s hired by people to pretend to be someone (sometimes a fiancee, sometimes a lost daughter, sometimes a friend…). Her acting is done without a script and is very thrilling (she always seems to be in the middle of some heinous crime ^-^;), and through her experiences, she learns a lot about other people.
There is a love-interest in this story, but the romance is portrayed in a very mature light (despite the fact they’re both in high school). Shiori grew up very early; having experienced several harsh truths and living alone for so long (with her mother gone most of the time and no father), that she practically is an adult. This story was run in the more mature magazines of Flower Comics and is intended for very old teens and young adults, so that’s probably why…
Anyway, aside from some disturbing moments, I really enjoyed this series. The art is very nice, the stories are mostly well-thought out, and interestingly enough, it’s got a very Western flavor to it; tying many of the episode plots with classic French literature Dickens and the like. A very nice change from your typical giddy high school romance manga you’ll usually find in girls’ comics…
