ashleyserena 's review for:

The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida

4.0

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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Translated books can be tricky, because the localization needs to be just right to maintain the integrity of the original text and cultural nuances, while also being relatable and comfortable for the reader. It took me a while to get used to the cadence of this book because of that, but I found the audiobook helped a lot. The translation works really well spoken aloud, and takes some getting used to read on paper. I switched between the audiobook and physical copy frequently, and found myself eventually loving both. The book is split into episodic chapters, each one highlighting someone who's life intersects with the Tenderness convenience store and its wholesome atmosphere. The stories are both heartwarming and bittersweet, and I'm glad I stayed with the book and got to enjoy them.