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A review by lookingmuchimproved
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would going into it because I have heard mixed receptions.
It's a bit of an unusual narrative. The main character, who seems to be autism-coded, struggled a lot growing up because her logic didn't seem to work the same way that society's did. She has trouble grasping the things that everyone is already supposed to know and no one can ever seem to explain them in a way that makes sense.
She has found a job that really suits her - working as a store worker at a convenience store - and has been working there part time for 18 years. It's a comfortable, orderly environment for her where she understands the rules and procedures.
Of course, many people don't think that this is enough. She is happy and content, but dislikes seeing people who care about her so upset for her about her life.
And therein lies the essence of this novel which is a new take on the long standing man vs. society narrative conflict.
I found the novel very thought provoking. Why are we so obsessed with labels and being able to neatly fit people into boxes? Why are we more comfortable if we can file someone away, even under a negative label, than not understanding them or their choices?
What is so wrong with someone working at a convenience store for the rest of their lives if they want? Why do we have to harass them about it if they are content, taking care of themselves, supporting themselves, and even finding purpose in what they do? What more could any of us ask for? Why are the expectations of others the responsibility of the individual?
The only caution I would give is that I think readers will only enjoy this if they REALLY love character driven novels. The reader has to be okay with spending most of the novel inside the head of the narrator and for there to be only a minimal amount of linear plot.
I do very much enjoy those things and am therefore giving this 4.0 stars.
It's a bit of an unusual narrative. The main character, who seems to be autism-coded, struggled a lot growing up because her logic didn't seem to work the same way that society's did. She has trouble grasping the things that everyone is already supposed to know and no one can ever seem to explain them in a way that makes sense.
She has found a job that really suits her - working as a store worker at a convenience store - and has been working there part time for 18 years. It's a comfortable, orderly environment for her where she understands the rules and procedures.
Of course, many people don't think that this is enough. She is happy and content, but dislikes seeing people who care about her so upset for her about her life.
And therein lies the essence of this novel which is a new take on the long standing man vs. society narrative conflict.
I found the novel very thought provoking. Why are we so obsessed with labels and being able to neatly fit people into boxes? Why are we more comfortable if we can file someone away, even under a negative label, than not understanding them or their choices?
What is so wrong with someone working at a convenience store for the rest of their lives if they want? Why do we have to harass them about it if they are content, taking care of themselves, supporting themselves, and even finding purpose in what they do? What more could any of us ask for? Why are the expectations of others the responsibility of the individual?
The only caution I would give is that I think readers will only enjoy this if they REALLY love character driven novels. The reader has to be okay with spending most of the novel inside the head of the narrator and for there to be only a minimal amount of linear plot.
I do very much enjoy those things and am therefore giving this 4.0 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Misogyny
Minor: Stalking and Animal death