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sofresh's review against another edition
3.0
Why am I obsessed with all of Sayaka Murata's protagonists?
While I prefered Earthlings, both novels touch on similar themes of women's role in Japanese society and the expectations placed upon them. Women can't just live life on their terms, their lives aren't private. The rest of the world just can't seem to let them go.
I don't know how but Murata made the inner workings of this little convenience store so interesting and compelling to read. Keiko is such a strange protagonist, but so utterly engrossing, which I think made the meandering pace of this novella work.
While I prefered Earthlings, both novels touch on similar themes of women's role in Japanese society and the expectations placed upon them. Women can't just live life on their terms, their lives aren't private. The rest of the world just can't seem to let them go.
I don't know how but Murata made the inner workings of this little convenience store so interesting and compelling to read. Keiko is such a strange protagonist, but so utterly engrossing, which I think made the meandering pace of this novella work.
francescamolina's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
madwoman912's review against another edition
2.0
Vaguely interesting as this woman with personality issues describes her life working in a convenience store.
rocioreads_'s review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
valeriepearson's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars A wonderfully odd book. My first “in translation” in a long time. Parts were, I think, lost on me since it was a translation but the insights were quirky (if not a little sad). Too much made me angry and not enough answered my questions. But it was interesting.
gerbel_mafia's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- 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
anna_amo's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable and easy read - basically felt like a rebuke/call to just let people be who they feel most comfortable being without imposing society's expectations on everyone. I loved the observations of people infecting each other with their modes of speech, dress etc and being just a collection of other people.
makayla_m812's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5