My Rating: 2.0
Keiko has always been considered an odd child. Now, nearing 40 years old, she has worked her whole life at a convenience store. She tries desperately to navigate the pressures from the "normal world" to grow up and have a regular job, relationship, etc. but it just isn't for her. Once Keiko understands she is ok with who she is and accepts herself, she is happy.
I felt like there was potential with this novel but, it really missed the mark for me. Murata could have explored Keiko being autistic - she doesn't know appropriate responses or how to read body language and has to take her queue from her peers, Keiko's comfort with routines and patterns - this could have been a more interesting novel. Instead, it was more of a judgment on conforming and learning to accept oneself which I don't consider to be profound. If you have never been to Japan you may find some of the things about convenience store "interesting" at best but I don't think this book is worth your time.
Keiko has always been considered an odd child. Now, nearing 40 years old, she has worked her whole life at a convenience store. She tries desperately to navigate the pressures from the "normal world" to grow up and have a regular job, relationship, etc. but it just isn't for her. Once Keiko understands she is ok with who she is and accepts herself, she is happy.
I felt like there was potential with this novel but, it really missed the mark for me. Murata could have explored Keiko being autistic - she doesn't know appropriate responses or how to read body language and has to take her queue from her peers, Keiko's comfort with routines and patterns - this could have been a more interesting novel. Instead, it was more of a judgment on conforming and learning to accept oneself which I don't consider to be profound. If you have never been to Japan you may find some of the things about convenience store "interesting" at best but I don't think this book is worth your time.
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