A review by boezaaah
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

4.0

Over the last few days I've seen a lot of conversations opened up around the marketing and reviewing of this book by non-Asian readers. The majority of the what was being said surrounded the fact that this book is marketed as being 'funny' and 'quirky', when in reality, it's the complete opposite. In Keiko's quest to social acceptance (which she was manipulated into pursuing) she falls into a bad cycle of depression and instead of readers recognising this as being reflective of East-Asian societal norms, it's being seen as 'comical'. I really don't understand how some people have such a skewed understanding of this book, because to me it's quite clear that this book wasn't trying to be funny or entertaining.

But overall, I really did enjoy this. I loved the writing and flow of the story, as well as Keiko herself. I loved how this ended too. I would definitely recommend reading this, but don't be stupid. This isn't a funny book. Please use your brain.