The apothecary’s diary is really taking off. I didn’t realize this story was coming so soon. It seems like a long time before we get any hint of Jinshi’s background in the manga but maybe that’s just because I’m reading when they come out and they have long breaks between volumes. I’m actually going to take a break from reading the last few volumes I just received so I can experience the anime with fresh eyes and I’m really looking forward to it. We’re not there yet, but it won’t be long!
I read that the Apothecary’s Diary will be closed for the holidays so I hope I can catch up on the posts. However, I will be watching the episodes! Watching this show is like a little gift to myself!
It’s like this. Obviously I already know the significance of honey in this story, I hope I’m not spoiling it for anyone. But believe it or not, I actually know that you’re not supposed to give your baby honey before reading a story. I’m not sure where I learned it but I feel like I always knew that hiney before 2 years old could cause poisoning. Oh and take that as a huge suspicion, I say “know” but it’s just some random information I seem to have gathered through some form of cultural osmosis. It could be an old wives’ tale. However, that is definitely not what the Apothecary’s Diary produces. And I think that’s interesting.
In fact, most of what I looked up that was said on this show turned out to be at least partially true. On the apothecary side, the historically accurate aspect is a bit more likely. However, in that regard, it seems to have more difficulty than most anime with a similar setting so I can only applaud it. Like many of my favorite shows, The Apothecary’s Diary was originally a self-published novel. On the web, of course. I love how this digital age is providing opportunities for so many amazing young authors. Although I’ve also heard there are a lot of downsides. I don’t feel like I know enough to debate it here, but I’d love to know what you think.
There’s always something a little brutal about this show. You’d think the story would find a way to avoid making Maomao directly responsible for someone else’s death. Especially someone who is said to be kind and loving but whose real crime was an innocent accident. Well, except for attempted poisoning, I guess. But you know, who doesn’t try to poison someone every now and then. It is practically a right of passage. You can’t make such a big deal out of it.
I had to look it up to be sure but Maomao definitely doesn’t have a disturbing love of alcohol in the manga. She did mention enjoying it but overall it was rated much lower. Let me show you what I mean. This is the rooftop scene of the episode. You know, when she transforms into cat form and beams with joy at the sight of sake:
That gives you an idea. The adaptation is generally more humorous and jubilant. I like that about it. I mean I already enjoyed the manga so I wouldn’t go so far as to say this is a clear improvement but for the anime medium I think it adds some nice animation and lightness that comes across appears on screen very nicely. Every once in a while, there are shows that really make you appreciate the subtleties of the adaptation and this is one of them!
So here we are. Concubine Aduo has left the inner palace. The poisoning and drowning cases have both been resolved. And we know that there’s more to Maomao’s father than that. But in the end, everything went back to the way it was. As Maomao mentioned, a servant’s life doesn’t have much value in these places. Hopefully everything will be peaceful for a while.