Convenience Store Woman

ElectricMari reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

4 stars

The book was frustrating to read, even though some parts were interesting. I liked our main character, someone who genuinely enjoys her job at a convenience store, even though most people don’t see it as a respectable or “normal” job for her age. Her personality feels honest, neutral.... She doesn’t seem to care much about what society expects, but still looks to others for clues on how to behave. I understand why many readers interpret her as autistic or having autistic traits. What I found frustrating was how the story itself feels unsure whether it wants to be a slice-of-life or a “find your purpose” type of book, and that lack of focus weakens it. The character Shiraha was especially frustrating. He comes across as an incel-type who also doesn’t fit into society, but he doesn’t bring anything meaningful to the story. His presence feels mostly negative, and he doesn’t …

The book was frustrating to read, even though some parts were interesting. I liked our main character, someone who genuinely enjoys her job at a convenience store, even though most people don’t see it as a respectable or “normal” job for her age. Her personality feels honest, neutral.... She doesn’t seem to care much about what society expects, but still looks to others for clues on how to behave. I understand why many readers interpret her as autistic or having autistic traits. What I found frustrating was how the story itself feels unsure whether it wants to be a slice-of-life or a “find your purpose” type of book, and that lack of focus weakens it. The character Shiraha was especially frustrating. He comes across as an incel-type who also doesn’t fit into society, but he doesn’t bring anything meaningful to the story. His presence feels mostly negative, and he doesn’t grow or contribute in a deep way. I guess he was there to push Keiko to discover her own purpose, but it felt flat and disappointing. I hoped that part of the story would go somewhere or have some resolution, but it didn’t.

eriol reads books reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Review of 'Convenience Store Woman' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Surreal and deeply enjoyable. Couldn't put it down.

Abstract Reader reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Strange and good

5 stars

I read this in a day because it just gripped me. Slightly disturbing but in a very strange way.

Comrade Kay reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Review of 'Convenience Store Woman' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

So weirdly good! I enjoyed it very much.

debby_joyblue reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Review of 'Convenience store woman' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

So many factors make this one difficult to assess/rate. It's translated from a language and culture about which I know essentially nothing. I believe I understand the point the author is making. What I don't understand is how it's being received by so many reviewers. I don't see this as a fun, quirky read—Keiko is mightily abused and oppressed. While there is some dark humor (one of my faves), overwhelmingly, the book is bleak. [3-]

debby_joyblue@bookrastinating.com reviewed Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Review of 'Convenience store woman' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

So many factors make this one difficult to assess/rate. It's translated from a language and culture about which I know essentially nothing. I believe I understand the point the author is making. What I don't understand is how it's being received by so many reviewers. I don't see this as a fun, quirky read—Keiko is mightily abused and oppressed. While there is some dark humor (one of my faves), overwhelmingly, the book is bleak. [3-]