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![コンビニ人間 [Konbini ningen] by Sayaka Murata](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/wafd8aqgj5q8ngmujindtxp5794q)
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
There is a sense of satisfaction and pleasure that comes from reading a book that moves fast, and I’d like to think that I must have enjoyed it, even if subliminally, since I swallowed it in a matter of two days. I wonder if the book being a translation, or about a culture that I am not familiar with, clouded my perception of it. Ultimately though, I walked away unsure what the purpose was. Maybe it was a character study? But no, we dont really get to know Keiko very much outside of her identity as a worker bee. Perhaps a commentary on the pressures to conform, to get a “real” job, start a nuclear family, etc.? Maybe, but blah what a boring over-done trope. Perhaps this book is an amalgamation of half-baked attempts, leaving the reader unsatisfied, longing for a reason to have picked this book up in the first place.
This was a very odd little book. I feel like I liked the perspective and was intrigued but I didn't really enjoy it. Keiko is endearing but Shiraha deeply sucked and was not fun to read. Reads similarly to Klara and the Sun honestly. Writing style is very similar to other translated-from-Japanese books I've read, which makes me wonder if it's the translation or the Japanese style. Interesting insight into Japanese lit and society.
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was super quick and easy to read. It tells the story of what it’s like to be “abnormal” in a traditional society. Of wanting to do something as a woman that doesn’t involve getting married and having children. Super eye opening and cute!!
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
funny
reflective
medium-paced
This really is not your typical read. It is disturbing, lowkey depressing, weird, but also satisfying. This book screams "just because my dreams are different than yours, they're unimportant" in a very not-so-normal way.
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Freaky, odd, and bizarrely fascinating are the key feelings that came to mind when I finished this book in one sitting today.
In the past, I had tried to read it and put it on pause- not really able to get into it, but this time, I found myself being utterly fascinated by the main character and her neurodivergence and how she views the world and her job.
Honestly, especially with the adage of Murata’s essay at the end, I wonder if the author herself is not placed within the main character slightly- and I found myself thinking “Wow, she’s really freaky… I like her!”.
All in all, this was a quick, interesting read that had me asking questions and relating as a retail worker myself. How much of us is formed by the people around us, our job, our lifestyle and personality- how do we balance being uniquely true to ourselves while living in a society that wants you to conform? I think no matter how odd this read might be to some, it is valuable to all in some way or another.
As a side note… this is like the best experience I’ve had with Japanese literature so far- very keen to give her other works a try!
In the past, I had tried to read it and put it on pause- not really able to get into it, but this time, I found myself being utterly fascinated by the main character and her neurodivergence and how she views the world and her job.
Honestly, especially with the adage of Murata’s essay at the end, I wonder if the author herself is not placed within the main character slightly- and I found myself thinking “Wow, she’s really freaky… I like her!”.
All in all, this was a quick, interesting read that had me asking questions and relating as a retail worker myself. How much of us is formed by the people around us, our job, our lifestyle and personality- how do we balance being uniquely true to ourselves while living in a society that wants you to conform? I think no matter how odd this read might be to some, it is valuable to all in some way or another.
As a side note… this is like the best experience I’ve had with Japanese literature so far- very keen to give her other works a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
4.5 stars
i dont even know what to say but it was definitely a great read and great intro to japanese literature. a very interesting perspective. also her essay at the end rlly threw me off
i dont even know what to say but it was definitely a great read and great intro to japanese literature. a very interesting perspective. also her essay at the end rlly threw me off