A review by proofofruin
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

4.0

i love a quick and simple character study. i love neurodivergent representation from a perspective character. i’m learning that i love japanese novelists. this ticked so many boxes.

i felt extremely seen by all of keiko’s descriptions of her sensory experiences and i loved this prose so much!!! the central theme that forgoing societal expectations in favor of a life that works for you is not only okay but a real way to flourish and thrive is so important.

i relate so much to keiko’s experience because i also often have to fend off projected ambition from family, friends and mentors who either won’t accept or can’t understand that i’m happy where i am despite my station not being the highest. i’ve found my niche and it makes me happy and i want to stay here!!! the lesson toward the end that going against yourself to conform to others’ expectations can *only* hurt you is something i wish i had learned much earlier, and that i was so happy to see represented in a way that mirrors my experience so closely.