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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
This book is incredibly confusing.
A friend compared it to Weike Wang’s Chemistry, but the apathetic tone of the narrator in Chemistry was always undercut by a certain degree of emotional intensity that was ultimately endearing and relatable.
Keiko, in the other hand, lacks any real personality, which makes the novella rather dry to me. I find myself truly unable to connect with her - perhaps we share very different senses of humour?
Or perhaps the fact that I am unable to connect with Keiko is meant to show how much of a “foreign object” she is when juxtaposed with the rest of society? Even her fake boyfriend whose name escapes me who regards himself as a foreign object sees her as a peculiarity, perhaps even a monstrous figure, the bigfoot of the convenience store, almost. The book itself almost feels like a parody of a rom-com, from the fake relationship to the dynamic between the bad boy love interest and responsible, “class president” Keiko. And yet, because this romcom is so devoid of humanity, it almost feels perverse, becoming as much of an oddity as Keiko herself.
Ultimately, the novella itself could be a critique of capitalism and how even someone like Keiko who defines herself by her occupation in every sense is seen as an outcast and a failure under such a dysfunctional economic structure.
Alternatively idk this book is just rly weird and the author’s a weirdo and I didn’t rly enjoy this tho my thoughts were Provoked or whatever ugh ugh waste of my time... my life.... my world? Whatever back to reading that pedophile story by that Russian Lana Del Rey stan.
A friend compared it to Weike Wang’s Chemistry, but the apathetic tone of the narrator in Chemistry was always undercut by a certain degree of emotional intensity that was ultimately endearing and relatable.
Keiko, in the other hand, lacks any real personality, which makes the novella rather dry to me. I find myself truly unable to connect with her - perhaps we share very different senses of humour?
Or perhaps the fact that I am unable to connect with Keiko is meant to show how much of a “foreign object” she is when juxtaposed with the rest of society? Even her fake boyfriend whose name escapes me who regards himself as a foreign object sees her as a peculiarity, perhaps even a monstrous figure, the bigfoot of the convenience store, almost. The book itself almost feels like a parody of a rom-com, from the fake relationship to the dynamic between the bad boy love interest and responsible, “class president” Keiko. And yet, because this romcom is so devoid of humanity, it almost feels perverse, becoming as much of an oddity as Keiko herself.
Ultimately, the novella itself could be a critique of capitalism and how even someone like Keiko who defines herself by her occupation in every sense is seen as an outcast and a failure under such a dysfunctional economic structure.
Alternatively idk this book is just rly weird and the author’s a weirdo and I didn’t rly enjoy this tho my thoughts were Provoked or whatever ugh ugh waste of my time... my life.... my world? Whatever back to reading that pedophile story by that Russian Lana Del Rey stan.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes I like to mix up my reading life with something weird (and short) and this totally fit the bill. Excellent writing. Another book started in August for 'Women in Translation' month.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay, I’ve seen some people saying this book is like quirky and funny. And I’ve seen people saying that perception entirely misunderstands the book, and this book is tragic and devastating.
I think it’s tragic, fun, critical, and it’s hopeful. The main character is in a bad situation,where she has no one who really understands her. But also this book is so full of love that I can’t read it as a full tragedy. And the book (afaik) ends with her picking to continue doing what she loves.
The convenience store is described with such wonder and care and comfort. I mean come on the novel ends with a literal essay about the author considering the convenience store to be her significant other. In what world is this not a story about love and the joy that comes from accepting what you love. Obviously this joy doesn’t erase the struggles that she faces or the way society doesn’t accept her, but it didn’t read as a tragedy to me it read as a bittersweet mix. But that’s just my opinion!
I think it’s tragic, fun, critical, and it’s hopeful. The main character is in a bad situation,
The convenience store is described with such wonder and care and comfort. I mean come on the novel ends with a literal essay about the author considering the convenience store to be her significant other. In what world is this not a story about love and the joy that comes from accepting what you love. Obviously this joy doesn’t erase the struggles that she faces or the way society doesn’t accept her, but it didn’t read as a tragedy to me it read as a bittersweet mix. But that’s just my opinion!
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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!!