Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Convenience Store Woman

The first half of the book was very interesting and insightful. Once a certain character became prevalent to the plot, the book was much less enjoyable.

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glitterdeww's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny lighthearted 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? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I need new vocabulary to accurately describe the immense treat that is Convenience Store Woman. “Mundane yet strange,” feels far too broad. The vibes of this story feel like a symphony of everyday sounds, a cognitively intimate awareness of other humans, and the comfort of allowing oneself to be a small piece of a well-functioning machine.

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.

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xkrille's review against another edition

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funny reflective fast-paced

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

What a strange book, and I mean that in the best possible way. I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was humorous but also made my tummy ache at times.

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.

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readingwithtemperance's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was unputtdownable. I read it in just a few hours. Keiko's inner monolog was just so interesting. I found her work very relaxing and comforting.

This book really sheds a light on how demanding society can be. And how we put ourselves and others under so much pressure.

Shiraha on the other hand was SO annoying. And I really could have gone my whole life without meeting him.

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