"Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata - Book Review
Summary
"Meet Keiko. Keiko is 36 years old. She's never had a boyfriend, and she's been working in the same supermarket for eighteen years. Keiko's family wishes she'd get a proper job. Her friends wonder why she won't get married. But Keiko knows what makes her happy, and she's not going to let anyone come between her and her convenience store."
Review
I really appreciate Japanese literature. Although I’ve only read a few modern books, they are consistently delicate, with characters who feel alien, as if they are awkwardly detached from the world in a melancholic way. This book is no different. It presents a very amusing and short story about convention and societal expectations, beautifully crafted as a metaphor for a physical space where there is neither time nor place. This environment permeates the main character’s emotions and feelings.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist struggles to formulate her own thoughts or make decisions, constantly following the guidance of her family and society on how to live a good life. This leaves her feeling alienated from humanity. The importance of coming full circle regarding her singular and most poignant life decision at the end of the book is both absurd and utterly satisfying.
Key Takeaways
- Humorous story that connects you to Japan in unexpected ways
- A powerful metaphor about societal convenience and expectations on living life
- Awkward characters that are both endearing and almost non-human
Who Should Read This
Readers looking for an easy read and interested in Japan's convenience store culture, who enjoy simple metaphors about societal pressure.
Favourite Quotes
"I find the shape of people’s eyes particularly interesting when they’re being condescending. I see a wariness or a fear of being contradicted or sometimes a belligerent spark ready to jump on any attack. And if they’re unaware of being condescending, their glazed-over eyeballs are steeped in a fluid mix of ecstasy and a sense of superiority."
"Well, I guess anyone who devotes their life to fighting society in order to be free must be pretty sincere about suffering."
Rating
⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5 stars)