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honeyvoiced's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Stalking
turrean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A few scenes were very disquieting, such as when the main character describes violent impulses she represses, or when the very thin margin of her acceptance by her circle of friends is threatened by their unthinking adherence to traditional gender roles.
Moderate: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Classism
amachonis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
hawkes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
saomah5566's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
carlytenille's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Stalking
anh_read's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Ableism, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Stalking
bridge_to_narnia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
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
xkrille'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
4.0
Keiko was a great main character. You understand her, her actions, and her thoughts, even though sometimes she can have a not-so-average mindset. Despite her uniqueness, I still found myself sympathizing with her and reflecting on her.
I think it was a great story, but I do not think I fully understand the ending. Not that the ending was not good and fitting. I just do not think I fully understand what the ending is trying to say. That is a me problem and not the book's fault.
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking