A review by mayaism_01
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Such an interesting representation of how someone with a disability or who is just generally seen as 'different' can be shunned by society - I think this would especially resonate with neurodivergent folks. It's bizarre seeing how the idea of being 'normal' is so ingrained in the way we interact with other people, a 'normal' way to react in conversation, a 'normal' way to progress in your life, and a 'normal' way to achieve success or happiness. Keiko is satisfied and happy with her life, she doesn't need to change but everyone around her butting in to tell her how to be 'normal' is what makes her life difficult. 

I also enjoyed the introduction of Shiraha as a foil to Keiko, while Keiko is happy with her life and doesn't understand why everyone wants her to be 'normal', Shiraha desperately wants to be 'normal' but feels so far from it that he warps his desperation to hatred and resentment of anyone and everyone he perceives benefits from the way society is structured. Though both characters could be categorized as 'different', why they choose to live the way they do are incredibly different. 

The autistic/neurodivergent rep in this is really special and the way Murata injects witty humor and uses an absurdist tone makes the writing both intelligent and genuinely funny. I think this story will really stick with me for the way Keiko represents a version of myself I aspire to be, Keiko doesn't fit in and she doesn't want to!

And here's a quote that really stuck with me:
“She’s far happier thinking her sister is normal, even if she has a lot of problems, than she is having an abnormal sister for whom everything is fine.”
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