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bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
However, about halfway through the book, Shiraha (the "bitter young man" mentioned in the blurb) gets introduced, and when he starts talking to Keiko more about his views on society the book gets IMO less enjoyable. I was still interested enough to see how it plays out, and the story is short so I didn't feel like I wasted any time reading it.
I liked Keiko's resolution and decision at the end, but before getting there I did get very sick of Shiraha's incel comments and constant reference to society being "stuck in the Stone Age."
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
nialystic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
kcjulia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
abnormal_shadow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, and Alcohol
Dairy of a Voidhellsjerome's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism
skypirateb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Ableism and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Sexual harassment
ashley_turch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Acephobia/Arophobia, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death
glitterdeww's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Murata’s acclaimed short novel follows Keiko Furukura, a middle aged woman in Japan that has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. She is described as unusual, some type of social outcast. Through her point of view, the reader gains access to her uncomfortable yet astute inner workings. The additional characters serve as everything from pained yet caring family, to hateful and emotionally blind fellow outcasts.
As the societal criticism of Keiko’s life choices is further explored, I was left with only frustration for her sake. Keiko has found routine, peace, and connectedness through her work. If the general tasks she did to take up her time were done in service to a church or nunnery, no one would bat an eye. This story does well to lay out hypocrisy and prejudice in a lovely and succinct manner.
Also, the back of my book contained Murata’s essay that first appeared in Literally Hub on June 14th, 2018. I was rolling, omg. It's just as fantastic and well worth the read.
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
maddykes13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, and Sexual harassment
chemicalvampire's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Minor: Violence and Sexual harassment