Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Convenience Store Woman

Before I get into it, I just want to say that I hope that the translation of this book isn't the reason why I wasn't a huge fan. I've seen some comments online that the translation wasn't great so hopefully that isn't the root cause. Moving on though, I read this book at a time in my life where I was (and still am) questioning my purpose and ambitions. So I was hopeful that this book would be as inspiring as many online reviews claimed. Unfortunately, it missed the mark on several occasions for me such as with the "humor." I admire the protagonist for standing firm in the way she wants to live her life, and it's implied that she may be autistic. But

the whole subplot where that random man was staying RENT FREE in her apartment? BOTH UNEMPLOYED AND DISRESPECTFUL TOWARDS HER? No to mention her family and "friends" (really just former classmates) are just so unsupportive.

I wanted to throw the book. There are elements of a good, inspiring story about the joys of the mundane, but so many of the supporting characters and just plot in general were unlikable.

Content Warnings

e_riahh's review against another edition

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reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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elliebasta's review against another edition

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dark reflective fast-paced

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

3.25

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tianaaaa's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

A very easy read with the continues topic of societal expectations and people who aren't "normal". It was an enjoyable book however due to the simplicity, I didn't find it to be an amazing piece of literature(maybe it was too simple) which is why I wish I could be voting in decimals - maybe 4.6? . However, from this book, I discovered that I love Sayaka Murata's writing style <3

A woman called Keiko Furukura is a convivence store worker and has been for 18 years. She is 36 years old and eventually it is pointed out to her that a "normal" women wouldn't be living the life she is living. Keiko wasn't a character with an eventful backstory yet her thoughts and her outlook of life, in my opinion, make her an interesting character. Shes very good at understanding the needs and wants of the convince store despite there being points in the book where it suggests that she might be mentally challenged. Slowly throughout the book, people are more vocal about what is wrong with her but it's ending is satisfying as it basically tells the reader to accept their true self rather than to suffocate from the demands of society.

She makes a deal with a former male employee(Shiraha) - he talks her into letting him live with with her, providing him with food etc. It isn't a romance and I'm so grateful for this, because the man is very insufferable, hypocritical and sexist. Like her, he is also judged my society so he proposes this idea as it will benefit them both - society will see them as 'normal' and their friends/family will think that they are 'cured'. Shiraha talks Keiko into quitting her job to find a better one that will provide for the both of them - Keiko is lost as her entire life has been devoted to and evolved around a convivence store. At the end of the book, Shiraha travels with Keiko for her job interview but they stop at a convivence store. Keiko can't help herself but to help out in the and finally realizes that she doesn't care what other people think and that she is meant to be a convivence store worker. She tells Shiraha this and he isn't happy and they both part ways.

Content Warnings

idesofmarch's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

jadams89's review

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funny reflective fast-paced

4.75

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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

I loved reading about the store and Keiko’s inner thoughts! I really related to a lot of the things she brings up about what is “normal” and changing her tone/expressions based on the people around her. It’s very similar to how I feel as a late diagnosed autistic woman so I marked a few pages that struck me!

I hated Shiraha, he was so irritating with his sexist incel commentary 😡 I wanted less of him and more of Keiko interacting with customers and going about her daily routine! This was a quick, easy read that offers some great commentary on society expectations and forced conformity.

There could be moments that were repetitive or too telling over showing plus I wanted more from Keiko so for that reason it’s only a 4 star read for me!

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