Scan barcode
bridge_to_narnia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
pandaintheshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
💖 What I liked:
✨It was nice to read a book about a neurodivergent character with a first person POV. We are never told exactly what flavour of neurospicy the protagonist is, but from what is described I'm guessing autism.
✨ I enjoyed the insightful critique of the societal norms and peer pressure to conform. There was a powerful message there, concerning how we're expected to fill a certain mold, to perform at a certain level, at the cost of our mental and physical health sometimes 🥺
🥹 It was heartbreaking to read how she was losing herself in that process 😭 Watching her losing perspective of who she really was and what she really wanted was difficult, ngl. And how the world around her became more "accepting" the more she distanced herself from her wants and needs infuriated the heck out of me 😔
📚 What I missed (this is mostly based on my personal preferences, so take it with a grain of sault, please)
🫂As a neurodivergent woman myself it's a bit tiring to only see autistic coded characters with an overwhelming lack of empathy when we know this is not (as we thought at some point) an inherent trait. Especially not in AFAB individuals, because most of us are socialized differently (amongst many other factors).
🤔Having said that, I understand neurodivergency and autism itself is part of a spectrum, and I'm not invalidating the author or anyone else's experience. I'm just saying it's the representation I've seen the most and I think this could have been a great opportunity to go in a different way🤔
🎁 Wrapping up:
🙏This book offers an opportunity to learn about how masking works and why is so useful and harmful at the same time when you're a neurodivergent person. It also has very funny moments and a hopeful and powerful message about embracing and loving yourself.
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Stalking
glitterdeww's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Murata’s acclaimed short novel follows Keiko Furukura, a middle aged woman in Japan that has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. She is described as unusual, some type of social outcast. Through her point of view, the reader gains access to her uncomfortable yet astute inner workings. The additional characters serve as everything from pained yet caring family, to hateful and emotionally blind fellow outcasts.
As the societal criticism of Keiko’s life choices is further explored, I was left with only frustration for her sake. Keiko has found routine, peace, and connectedness through her work. If the general tasks she did to take up her time were done in service to a church or nunnery, no one would bat an eye. This story does well to lay out hypocrisy and prejudice in a lovely and succinct manner.
Also, the back of my book contained Murata’s essay that first appeared in Literally Hub on June 14th, 2018. I was rolling, omg. It's just as fantastic and well worth the read.
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
xkrille's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Keiko was a great main character. You understand her, her actions, and her thoughts, even though sometimes she can have a not-so-average mindset. Despite her uniqueness, I still found myself sympathizing with her and reflecting on her.
I think it was a great story, but I do not think I fully understand the ending. Not that the ending was not good and fitting. I just do not think I fully understand what the ending is trying to say. That is a me problem and not the book's fault.
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book really sheds a light on how demanding society can be. And how we put ourselves and others under so much pressure.
Shiraha on the other hand was SO annoying. And I really could have gone my whole life without meeting him.
Graphic: Ableism and Misogyny
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
slaywithsteph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
Antiasexualismmaddykes13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, and Sexual harassment
bellsdixon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cursing and Alcohol
gemmu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
At some points the story felt almost thriller-like - but not for the reasons you might think. Keiko Furukura's uncommon thoughts - although, a bit creepy - were not the reason for my uneasiness at times. Instead, all the other characters created the pressure of uncertainty. You couldn't be quite sure when they would push Keiko, or anyone else outside the social norms, too far. Personally I just don't like noisy people, which probably caused me the most discomfort while reading.
Over all, one of the best books I have read for a while <3
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death and Stalking
hjb_128's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Sexual violence and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol