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ericzko's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
In the beginning I thought this would be the best book for this year - the way of describing a worker at a convenience store or the main character’s way of seeing the world is interesting. But my opinion changed after she met an ex coworker. The story was a bit too weird to me.. the ending made me feel relieved though.
now1ncolor's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
although the words “funny” and “hilarious” are plastered on the cover of the book, i can’t think of a single thing that was funny. it’s was honestly kind of depressing, the protagonist struggling to live up to society’s expectations, while almost being manipulated by a misogynistic, narcissistic and disgusting man-child.
i kept waiting for some plot twist, for something eye opening to happen to the protagonist, and while the ending tried to do that, it didn’t leave me feeling anything close to satisfied with finishing this book.
i kept waiting for some plot twist, for something eye opening to happen to the protagonist, and while the ending tried to do that, it didn’t leave me feeling anything close to satisfied with finishing this book.
ivyninareads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars – Such a chill, fast-paced read. Personally, I found the narrative to be a lot more profound when I discovered upon reading the author's description at the end of the novel, that Sayaka Murata herself had worked part-time in convenience stores for 18 years, and that it was Convenience Store Woman that catapulted her into the world of writing and publishing. But then again, I think that that says something about how I may personally value a more simple narrative if it is based in truth.
There were some interesting anthropological (god I hope I'm using that word correctly, because I can't really be bothered looking up what it means) concepts that the book brought up. Namely, the way in which society expects a typical "normal" human to function and serve. As Keiko's life strays further and further from this ideal, pressure to conform closes in. I really liked the exploration of this theme when it came to the reactions that Keiko received when allowing Shiraha to move in with her. Keiko's sister, friends and co-workers are all overjoyed and are decided upon the fact that Keiko had been "cured", of whatever it was that she was facing that had kept her in a dead-end job and without a partner. Even when Keiko's sister comes to lambast Shiraha for his loafy habits, she is happier to accept that Shiraha may have been unfaithful to Keiko and as a result of an argument was sleeping in the bathroom, than she is willing to accept that Keiko and Shiraha have an unconventional living arrangement.
The way that Murata writes about the rhythms of the store is so melodic and exacting. It's genuinely really satisfying to read. I did feel at times that this novel was lacking a bit of substance, but as it was so fast-paced I was engaged the entire time. Definitely worth a read!
There were some interesting anthropological (god I hope I'm using that word correctly, because I can't really be bothered looking up what it means) concepts that the book brought up. Namely, the way in which society expects a typical "normal" human to function and serve. As Keiko's life strays further and further from this ideal, pressure to conform closes in. I really liked the exploration of this theme when it came to the reactions that Keiko received when allowing Shiraha to move in with her. Keiko's sister, friends and co-workers are all overjoyed and are decided upon the fact that Keiko had been "cured", of whatever it was that she was facing that had kept her in a dead-end job and without a partner. Even when Keiko's sister comes to lambast Shiraha for his loafy habits, she is happier to accept that Shiraha may have been unfaithful to Keiko and as a result of an argument was sleeping in the bathroom, than she is willing to accept that Keiko and Shiraha have an unconventional living arrangement.
The way that Murata writes about the rhythms of the store is so melodic and exacting. It's genuinely really satisfying to read. I did feel at times that this novel was lacking a bit of substance, but as it was so fast-paced I was engaged the entire time. Definitely worth a read!
winsynonym's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lucazani11's review against another edition
5.0
fight club sylvia plath no longer human travis bickle jordan peterson
sh_m22's review
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cornlords_library's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
It's a simple and funny well thoughtout reflection of how roles and their expectations shape people. What's expected of you is not always good for you. Some people are just convenience store animals