Convenience Store Woman

by Sayaka Murata
Convenience Store Woman cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 420
  • Added: 2025-09-11
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • ISBN: 9781846276859
  • Publisher: Portobello Books
  • Published: 2018-07-05
  • Formats: 63
  • Reviews: 4

Keiko is a 36-year-old woman who has never had a boyfriend and has been working at the same convenience store for 18 years. Her family and friends question her choices, but Keiko is content with her life and the routine she has established. The story explores her unique perspective on society and her determination to live life on her own terms./n/nConvenience Store Woman is a unique and captivating novel that delves into the mind of a woman who finds solace and purpose in the mundane. Keiko's journey challenges societal norms and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Reviews
catherinerosegunther.com · Catherine Rose Gunther · 2025-04-15
thoughtful 4.00

The review reflects on the novel as a fascinating yet sad exploration of societal frustrations and how individuals are treated when they deviate from norms, emphasizing the emotional depth behind the protagonist’s experience.

Catherine finds the book a poignant reflection on the isolating effects of societal expectations and the difficulty of fitting into predetermined roles, especially for those who are different. She appreciates the emotional sadness underlying the story, which reveals how society can be unforgiving and unkind to people who do not conform, making it a thoughtful and moving read.

Quick quotes

    A fascinating yet sad read.

    Highlights frustrating aspects of society and how we treat people.

    An emotional exploration of social conformity and individuality.

Vanlow · 2025-01-23
endearing 4.50

The book's endearing and quirky nature transports readers to Japan and the unique experience of convenience store shopping. It's a heartwarming and insightful read.

The reviewer is charmed by the book's endearing and quirky nature, which brings them right back to Japan and the unique experience of convenience store shopping. They find the story heartwarming and insightful, offering a fresh perspective on everyday life. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture the essence of Japanese culture and the societal norms that shape it. The book's quirky elements make it a delightful and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    An endearing and quirky book that took me straight back to Japan and the perfected experience of convenience store shopping there.

    The novel's ability to capture the essence of Japanese culture and the societal norms that shape it.

    The book's quirky elements make it a delightful and memorable read.

Reddit · r/books · 2023-09-11
unique 3.75

The review appreciates the novel's unusual perspective on the world and its odd but engaging narrative style, highlighting the protagonist’s unique worldview as a key strength.

This Reddit discussion values the fresh and different perspective offered by the protagonist, which challenges typical storytelling conventions and provides insight into a life that many readers might not otherwise consider. The reviewer found the book odd yet compelling, noting that its distinctiveness makes it memorable and worth reading for those interested in non-traditional narratives.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed the different perspective on the world.

    Odd book for sure…but not nearly as odd as Earthlings.

    Offers a unique worldview that is engaging and thought-provoking.

I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2022-08-04
compelling 4.00

The story's offbeat nature and backdrop of a Japanese convenience store make it a compelling read. It effectively challenges societal expectations on social conformity.

The reviewer finds the novel's offbeat story and the setting of a Japanese convenience store particularly compelling. They highlight how the story effectively challenges societal expectations and norms. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective it offers on social conformity and the pressures individuals face. The novel's quirky nature adds to its charm and makes it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This offbeat story about a woman who challenges society's expectations on social conformity against the backdrop of a Japanese convenience store.

    The novel's unique perspective on social conformity and the pressures individuals face.

    The quirky nature of the story adds to its charm and makes it a memorable read.

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