Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Keiko Furukura, a socially awkward 36 year old woman, has worked at her local convenience store for years. Keiko struggles with social interaction, but at the store, she thrives on the rules, procedures, and structure. She studies the interactions and becomes adept at being an exemplary employee. Here is a world she can understand and succeed in, but her family feels she is wasting her life and education. They pressure her to find a romantic partner and to do something better with her life. Keiko’s story is told with deadpan humor. Translated from Japanese.
What a great read! It was weirdly engrossing and different in a good way.
Quirky and funny.
I LOVED the book, but was left slightly off balance by two instances of dark humor.
I didn’t see the end coming, but it makes perfect sense and is the perfect resolution for this story.
Easy to read. Recommended.
Donna Jo Stone 