A review by melodyb
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

emotional informative 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

Engaging, emotional, and a little bit heart-breaking. Must-read, and I found myself rooting for, worrying about, and being so glad for Keiko as the book went on. I disagree with reviews stating it is quirky or funny because - spoilers ahead -
Keiko’s attempts to navigate normal life - masking to not be excluded but still being rejected, finding steady employment that meets her needs but it’s not good enough for others, being betrayed by societal standards for women and being upset that she has been demoted to “human woman” and not what she really finds purpose in (her job) - it made me so sad for her. I kept waiting for something “funny” or “quirky” to happen, but I just saw a neurodivergent lady being taken by a ride by the people around her. They cared for her in the store but couldn’t related to her - and she just couldn’t understand why they were so obsessed with this guy (when they were trying to make sure he’d be a provider for her). She was being shoved into a box she didn’t want to be in just because of expectations which, frankly, were incompatible with the life she wanted to live. Her grand stand at the end, against a total asshole who was taking advantage of a vulnerable person who could not understand the danger she’d put herself in initially made me so happy for her. Good for her.
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Seriously recommend this book - it’s a great read and a compelling story, and you’ll feel deeply involved with Keiko’s life and sense of purpose at the convenience store.
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