Review: Convenience Store Woman by Sakaya Murata
When society dictates who you should and shouldn't be will you still be an outlier?
Dates read: 14/01/26 to 18/01/26
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Word to describe: Strange
Genre: Translated fiction
In a world of translated fiction there are few that become global icons. I had the pleasure of finding Convenience Store Woman by Sakaya Murata at my local library and knew this book had to come off my long list of a TBR and into my read list. I had seen raving reviews all over social media calling this book a delight, a brilliant commentary on a woman's place in society, and a brilliant representation of neurodivergence.
From the first page we are introduced to a head strong, witty, and unique character in the form of the Convenience Store Woman, Keiko. She knows she is different from those around her. Her parents, siblings and the people who visit her store have these lavish lives, filled with children, budding relationships, and marital bliss. Keiko is comfortable where she is, to the dismay of her parents and sister. She found herself a haven. A convenience store with easy tasks, and the simple mundane repetitiveness that fills her with joy each day. Who cares if she's had the same job for many years, or that she has no interest in moving up the chain, and that her none-existent desire for romance and companionship makes her her own favourite company?
Surprised by her own actions Keiko finds herself curious about Shiraha, an all round repulsive man from his hygiene, to his manners, to his personality. Despite his lack of charm Keiko believes that the single impression she allows others to have of her, is that if this deplorable man becomes her roommate and rumoured partner the outsiders will leave her be and she can enjoy her simplistic life in peace. And it works. - for a while, until Keiko starts to lose herself. In her attempts to become who she believes everyone else wishes her to be she starts to fall into the trap of betraying herself for someone else's idea of an ideal life.
Convenience Store Women, in all its absurdity and social commentary gives readers this unique insight into societies forgotten and abandoned. Keiko is not what the world expects her to be and as an outlier she has the power to forge the path that she wants. When the plot comes full circle as readers we are reminded that the best way to be your authentic self is to throw away societal expectations and live for you own joy.
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