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A review by lizzy_lisko
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
//IF YOU'RE NEURODIVERGENT AND STRUGGLING WITH SELF WORTH DON'T READ THIS BOOK//
As a neurodivergent asexual person, the issues brought up just trying to prove that you're worth as much to society as neurotypical heterosexuals hit home like a hammer. I really wanted to like this book but it feels like the writer is ableist at the end of the day. When finished I had to practice some serious self worth exercises.
Whilst admorable that Keiko is content with her situation, she is taken advantage of and put down by everyone around her with no hint that this shouldn't be the case. She masks all day everyday and nothing is said about how emotionally and physically damaging doing this is. And no notion that 'atypical' people should have career progression equal relationships and a strong supportive network.
Normal people treat Keiko badly. It may read like they're supportive but they aren't. Nothing suggests they should try to meet Keiko where she is. Later in the book she agrees to help someone and the author keeps saying how Keiko thinks she's getting something out of it. She isn't. She's just being used.
'If you don't fit in then stay at the bottom. If you don't fit in it's all on you to fake and wear a mask' are the ultimate messages here.
As a neurodivergent asexual person, the issues brought up just trying to prove that you're worth as much to society as neurotypical heterosexuals hit home like a hammer. I really wanted to like this book but it feels like the writer is ableist at the end of the day. When finished I had to practice some serious self worth exercises.
Whilst admorable that Keiko is content with her situation, she is taken advantage of and put down by everyone around her with no hint that this shouldn't be the case. She masks all day everyday and nothing is said about how emotionally and physically damaging doing this is. And no notion that 'atypical' people should have career progression equal relationships and a strong supportive network.
Normal people treat Keiko badly. It may read like they're supportive but they aren't. Nothing suggests they should try to meet Keiko where she is. Later in the book she agrees to help someone and the author keeps saying how Keiko thinks she's getting something out of it. She isn't. She's just being used.
'If you don't fit in then stay at the bottom. If you don't fit in it's all on you to fake and wear a mask' are the ultimate messages here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment