Take a photo of a barcode or cover
hkeogh13 's review for:
The Convenience Store by the Sea
by Sonoko Machida
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this: exactly what the doctor ordered. When I am going through a turbulent time, reading cosy Japanese fiction with a formula is the perfect antidote.
This book is set in a small coastal time, following characters who interact with a convenience store under an old folks' home. It features a charismatic manager who gets the old ladies hot under the bonnet, as well as his brother who does all the local odd jobs. I enjoyed how they thread through every story, with the messages taken away not always being driven by those characters, but always revolving around the store in some way.
I like how hopeful these kinds of books feel. They often carry subtle messages about life and making the most of your relationships/ finding your passions. The sense of community drives these stories forward and I always finish them feeling warm.
This one was also quintessentially Japanese, with lots of sweet scenes which wouldn't really fly anywhere else. The manga artist writing stories about her boss, an old man being a local child's surrogate grandad, the old lady fan club: it was all adorable but culturally not familiar here in the US or back in the UK.
I will be seeking out another cosy Japanese book next.
This book is set in a small coastal time, following characters who interact with a convenience store under an old folks' home. It features a charismatic manager who gets the old ladies hot under the bonnet, as well as his brother who does all the local odd jobs. I enjoyed how they thread through every story, with the messages taken away not always being driven by those characters, but always revolving around the store in some way.
I like how hopeful these kinds of books feel. They often carry subtle messages about life and making the most of your relationships/ finding your passions. The sense of community drives these stories forward and I always finish them feeling warm.
This one was also quintessentially Japanese, with lots of sweet scenes which wouldn't really fly anywhere else. The manga artist writing stories about her boss, an old man being a local child's surrogate grandad, the old lady fan club: it was all adorable but culturally not familiar here in the US or back in the UK.
I will be seeking out another cosy Japanese book next.