Shirley

シャーリー

19 chapters

2 volumes

2003 – present

Cranry Bennett, a bachelorette approaching her thirtieth birthday, finds herself an unusual figure in late 19th century England. Choosing to avoid the conventional path of a housewife, she operates a small cafe in town. However, as domestic matters begin to unravel, she resolves to hire a maid. Returning home one evening, Cranry encounters her first applicant: the orphaned thirteen-year-old Shirley Madison. Realizing she had neglected to specify an age requirement on her advertisement, Cranry initially hesitates. Yet after a conversation with young Shirley and being struck by her mature composure and strong desire to work, she extends a job offer to the little maid. Shirley tells the lighthearted and wholesome story of a young girl seeking her place in the world and the joy that fills her heart upon discovering acceptance from others.