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abnormal_shadow'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? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Pregnancy, Ableism, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault, Stalking, Sexual violence, and Alcohol
Dairy of a Voidhellsjerome's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexism, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism
anh_read's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Ableism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
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: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment, Sexual content, 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, Misogyny, Sexism, and Mental illness
Moderate: Animal death, Toxic friendship, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
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: Sexism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Ableism
Moderate: Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Bullying, and Cursing
Minor: Sexual harassment, Animal death, Child death, and Animal cruelty
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: Stalking, Toxic friendship, Sexism, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
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 friendship, Toxic relationship, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Stalking and Animal death
charlie_woodchipper's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Ableism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Sexual harassment
_al's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Still, the book was very enjoyable and I liked Keiko as main character. The themes and message was also kinda echoing some my personal struggles and long existing thoughts, so that's also nice.
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Ableism
Moderate: Stalking, Body shaming, and Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death