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funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely loved this book. The pacing was great, the characters were dynamic and interesting and it raised some thought-provoking questions about societal expectations of people, in particular ageing women. Keiko was absolutely hilarious and I was rooting for her the whole time. I loved that she was so unapologetically different, and I wanted to defend her against all those who didn’t agree with her.
I loved the fact that the translation kept a few of the little Japanese language quirks in there, a few “hai” and “eh?” scattered through. I would have really loved to have known Japanese well enough to read it in Japanese but I think the English translation did a good job of portraying the story without completely removing the very characteristic Japanese language elements associated with the language in general, as well as retail language (from my basic high school Japanese knowledge and tourist experience).
I do, personally, think the literal translation of the Japanese title being “Convenience Store Human” (if I’m not mistaken) would’ve been better, with all the themes around people coming together to form the body that is the convenience store. But it didn’t change the reading experience anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.
Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a funny, light-hearted yet inspiring read that’s not too long either.
I loved the fact that the translation kept a few of the little Japanese language quirks in there, a few “hai” and “eh?” scattered through. I would have really loved to have known Japanese well enough to read it in Japanese but I think the English translation did a good job of portraying the story without completely removing the very characteristic Japanese language elements associated with the language in general, as well as retail language (from my basic high school Japanese knowledge and tourist experience).
I do, personally, think the literal translation of the Japanese title being “Convenience Store Human” (if I’m not mistaken) would’ve been better, with all the themes around people coming together to form the body that is the convenience store. But it didn’t change the reading experience anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.
Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a funny, light-hearted yet inspiring read that’s not too long either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexism
Minor: Rape
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Stalking, Sexual harassment
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
Minor: Rape
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know how to put my thoughts into words but I think this was a really good book for the weird headspace I'm currently in, the convenience store woman gave me a sense of comfort even though shihara kept me on edge and scared
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Minor: Rape
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed and connected to this book. I think it was an immaculate critique of capitalistic society and how a person's value is judged by what they contribute to others and how little they shake the boat. The rage Keiko felt when she was being grilled for information about her personal life, and the way everyone so shamelessly criticised her to her face about her life choices really resonated with me and stirred up all kinds of emotions. It's always such a great feeling, reading a book and knowing the author just gets you.
I didn't find Keiko weird, I related to some of her thoughts and actions like having to copy everyone around you to fit in, although I will say I have enough empathy to not eat a random dead bird or hit a kid on the head with a spade to end a fight. Reading about her thought process immediately brought the phrase "ruthless efficiency" to my mind. She navigates the world with a different set of values, and reducing pain is just not one of them. She doesn't do it out of malice, she just doesn't get why it's a big deal. All she needs is someone to explain to her what the societal rules are so she can follow them, and that's why she thrives in a convenience store. There's a manual spelling everything out for her, and that's exactly what she wants. There's nothing wrong with her, she just needs guidance and a place to belong, where she won't be judged for what she can or can't do, or any surrounding factors like her age or the clothes she wears. I hope this book made this clear for some people. I believe this should be essential reading for anyone trying to become more open minded.
I'll definitely be checking out more of Sayaka Murata's work. I can say that as simple as this book was, it really blew me away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Violence, Stalking
Minor: Rape, Pregnancy
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking
Minor: Rape
challenging
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a short and weird - in a good way - little book about a woman named Keiko Furukara who spends 18 years working in a convenience store. I don't deem myself to have the authority to diagnose a character with anything, but from the text, it is pretty apparent that she is neurodivergent. She is constantly looked down on and lectured by people around her about being in her 30s and working a job they do not deem suitable, for not being married or having children. Keiko works at the convenience store because it is what makes sense to her, it seems to give her a genuine happiness and control over the chaos of life, and I enjoyed reading about her as a character. She was very interesting and honestly sweet, and I think that there are probably a lot of people who see part of themselves in this character.
My only criticism is that I wish there had been more of a plot, and that it had been a little longer. I feel like there is so much more that could've been explored with this character, but it ended prematurely. Other than that, I really liked it and I'm glad I read it.
Also this cover is really cute.
My only criticism is that I wish there had been more of a plot, and that it had been a little longer. I feel like there is so much more that could've been explored with this character, but it ended prematurely. Other than that, I really liked it and I'm glad I read it.
Also this cover is really cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Fatphobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Sexual assault
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Rape
challenging
reflective
sad
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual assault, Stalking, Acephobia/Arophobia, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Rape
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A delightful read. I enjoyed every single page of this book and it makes you reflect on so many aspects of your own life and personality. Maybe we all have our own version of the convenience store? It's a great book to get back into reading or if you want a fast-paced and interesting read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Mental illness, Stalking
Minor: Rape