A review by everie
There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I have so so much affection for this book. From the first job to the last, the narration is filled with a heady combination of earnestness, desperation, and humor. It's surreal in quite a few different ways, depending on the job, but I think the thing that's stuck with me the most is how many people are truly trying their best, even if the system is not made to support them.

I'm eagerly waiting to read more of her work! I think if anything, this book is a little uneven in the weirdness of the jobs (with the surveillance and the Albatross Circulator story as the fun weird standouts) but I enjoyed them all. It's also very interesting how all the supervisors are men who barely give direction or ask for tasks that go way beyond the call of duty or ethics she's getting too invested and biting off more than she can chew.

Also fuck yeah Ms. Eriguchi

Design the ideal neighborhood through casual magic (???) and then build the kind of organization you want for yourself!! While also making the neighborhood you love so much safer! God I'm so glad the narrator stays friends with her.

 

I'm usually more coherent but I can't be objective with this one :)