Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I enjoyed getting to know Keiko, the titular character of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.

Keiko has never really fit in but has found her place in society as a part time convenience store worker, a menial job she has worked for the past eighteen years. Despite being thirty-six, unmarried and childless, Keiko is happy. But pressure is mounting from family and friends for Keiko to conform to society by finding a husband and a “real” career.

The novel follows Keiko’s attempts to lead a more normal life, including mimicking the mannerisms of people around her and entering a fake relationship with a colleague to fend off concern from her family and friends.

This short but sweet novel is a celebration of those who endure a distinct feeling of differentness from others. One may not be completely satisfied with how Keiko’s story ends but I think that is the point! It challenges societal expectations, particularly of women, single women and childless women. It is interesting to note that the author herself worked at a convenience store and based the novel on her own experiences.

For anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, this novel is for you.

View Convenience Store Woman in the SMSA Library Catalogue.

Review by Erika Samonte
SMSA Library Assistant