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A review by purecomedy
There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
Kikuko Tsumura is right: there really is no such thing as an easy job.
I was quite surprised to find that this book was first published in 2015. It feels very much apt for 2022 (and onward, I'm afraid), with its commentary on how work can overtake your life and become central to your identity and how it can be difficult to detach yourself from it.
As for the story, the magical realism elements seemed rather subtle, which I really liked. I'm usually not a big fan of the 1st person POV (it's not an instant DNF, but sometimes it can put me off the story), but it felt really fitting for this story and this main character. It was surprisingly entertaining and compelling to watch her seek out "easy" jobs (btw, her requirements for the jobs? Big Mood), then get overly involved in them within the first few days. At the same time, though, there was also something depressing about her not being able to let go of work issues.
Also, since I listened to the audiobook, Cindy Kay is a wonderful narrator. I really enjoyed her interpretation of the book and the way she would do voices for some characters without exaggerating and making them sound ridiculous.
I was quite surprised to find that this book was first published in 2015. It feels very much apt for 2022 (and onward, I'm afraid), with its commentary on how work can overtake your life and become central to your identity and how it can be difficult to detach yourself from it.
As for the story, the magical realism elements seemed rather subtle, which I really liked. I'm usually not a big fan of the 1st person POV (it's not an instant DNF, but sometimes it can put me off the story), but it felt really fitting for this story and this main character. It was surprisingly entertaining and compelling to watch her seek out "easy" jobs (btw, her requirements for the jobs? Big Mood), then get overly involved in them within the first few days. At the same time, though, there was also something depressing about her not being able to let go of work issues.
Also, since I listened to the audiobook, Cindy Kay is a wonderful narrator. I really enjoyed her interpretation of the book and the way she would do voices for some characters without exaggerating and making them sound ridiculous.