Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Review: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, 2016

Convenience Store Woman Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a ride with Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman”! 🌟 Keiko Furukura is something else – her innocence is childlike, her positivity, infectious. While I couldn’t see myself in Keiko, her quirky decisions had me laughing and nodding as if to say, “Yeah, that sort of makes sense!”


The way Murata sketches societal pressures is nothing short of brilliant. It made me think – does the often-perceived uniformity in some cultures make it harder for the Keikos of the world? Living where there is vibrant diversity, I’ve seen the societal ‘molds’ being challenged.  Keiko’s story felt relatable, especially when thinking about the many minority groups among us.


A couple of lines from the book still echo in my mind: “Well, I guess anyone who devotes their life to fighting society in order to be free must be pretty sincere about suffering” and "normality—however messy—is far more comprehensible." 

This book had me chuckling one moment and pondering deeply the next. Keiko’s thought processes are adorable and shocking in equal measure at times. But as I neared the end, the laughs gave way to serious reflection on the pointed critiques Murata makes about conformity.

If you’re looking for a quick, engaging read that offers both laughs and food for thought, “Convenience Store Woman” is a stellar pick. It’s short, sweet, and layered, making it a great weekend companion for readers who love a good chuckle and a bit of depth. Happy reading! 📚


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