If you are someone looking for a highly emotional, tearjerking, and thought-provoking story, then you have arrived at the right place. This is one of my favorite tragedy mangas of all time that I cannot help but reread from time to time.

The two main characters start out as sad, resentful people, estranged and misunderstood by society and even their own family. These protagonists struggle to come to terms with their tragic and damaged pasts riddled with events like suicide attempts, abandonment, murder, and rape. One character is a talented pianist, and the other is a death row inmate. Initially, these two are cold and distant: hesitant about opening up, in fear of betrayal. As the story progresses, however, they manage to patch up their emotional wounds by sharing their stories. What touched me the most, was how the author paints them not as "good" nor "bad", but as vulnerable, lonely people just needing some empathy, but heartbreakingly denied of it--until they get to meet each other.

Despite the manga's relative brevity of 8 chapters, Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan manages to have a fantastically paced storyline that is neither slow nor rushed. Every page is deliberately packed with emotional triggers and complex character development. The way Watashitachi shows how the characters' behaviors are affected by their past is absolutely +A. One of the most unique aspects of this manga is its execution of emotional impact. The most prominent example is how the premise that one of the most misunderstood characters is held on death row, instills a mix of dread and hopefulness throughout most of the chapters. I find myself trying to savor each page that includes this quiet, yet charming character as if it was his last: hoping that he gets some kind of justice before it's too late. The mix of emotions really gets me attached and engaged with the plot and characters.

For me, if the story is fantastic, I could care less about the art style. However, if I had to grade the art, I would give it a 6/10 mostly because of its loose and unpolished look. I realize this could just be the mangaka's personal style, but the art just seems lazier compared to what I consider polished masterpieces like Vagabond and Sanctuary (both are also fantastic reads).

Watashitachi is one of the few stories that had me crying the in every chapter. The story compellingly, and tearfully portrays the healing process of two very misunderstood and damaged characters. The story is highly emotional and thoughtfully executed. It is absolutely worth reading, especially if you love a good tragedy. Just be prepared with a fresh box of tissues!