“The normal world has no room for exceptions and always quietly eliminates foreign objects. Anyone who is lacking is disposed of.”
Title: Convenience Store Woman
Author: Sayaka Murata
Translator: Ginny Tapley Takemori
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Link to book: Convenience Store Woman
Well, this was unexpectedly pleasant! I generally tend to alternate reading between genres and writing styles, so I picked up this light book after a lengthier one (Swing Time by Zadie Smith). For me, Japanese literature is usually quite straightforward and easy to read. Their language (of course, translated to English) is also simpler and the story moves quite fast. (Besides Murakami, because he goes in circles sometimes and he brings you into a maze. A brilliant maze nonetheless.) This was a relatively short but also surprisingly thought-provoking book. I feel like these books give the most value in terms of time spent vs. enlightenment.
“Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata is a captivating exploration of societal expectations, conformity, and the quest for individual identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane convenience store, the novel unfolds the life of Keiko Furukura, a socially unconventional woman on the spectrum who finds solace and purpose in the routine of her job.
The story begins with Keiko’s early years, showcasing her struggles to fit into societal norms. She wanted to eat a bird that had just died, while all her kiddy friends were positively scarred by it. Instead, Keiko thinks “What is wrong with eating the bird? Don’t we eat chicken?” Which is actually true! It is a rather refreshing perspective of how we view the world. Is what we do really normal?
Murata skillfully portrays the pressure to conform that Keiko faces from her family, friends, and colleagues. She highlights the societal expectation of marriage and a traditional career path. My heart really goes out to Keiko, when she talks about how her sister rather her be unhappily married than happily single. Sadly, that happens to the majority of women. Keiko, however, finds comfort and fulfillment in the regimented environment of the convenience store, blurring the lines between personal and professional life.
The narrative excels in its portrayal of Keiko’s perspective, providing readers with an intimate understanding of her unique worldview. Keiko’s observations of human behavior are both insightful and humorous, offering a sharp critique of societal norms. Murata’s writing style is concise, yet rich in detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the convenience store and its quirky cast of characters. Honestly, those were my favourite moments in the book, when she was being herself in the convenience store. I also just found out that Murata herself still works part time in a convenience store, which gave her the inspiration to write the book!
The novel also delves into the concept of identity and the lengths individuals may go to fit in. As Keiko grapples with the societal pressure to conform, we follow her journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of authenticity. Murata raises thought-provoking questions about the price one pays for societal acceptance and the consequences of straying from the expected path.
“Anyone who devotes their life to fighting society in order to be free must be pretty sincere about suffering.”
All in all, Convenience Store Woman is a thought-provoking and entertaining novel that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality. Sayaka Murata’s delivers the exploration of conformity, identity, and the pursuit of happiness with a unique blend of humor and insight. This book is a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on societal expectations and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self.