Convenience Store Woman

Description

Keiko Furukura has spent eighteen years working at a Tokyo convenience store, finding in its rigid structure and clearly defined rules the sense of belonging she never discovered elsewhere in life. Unlike in her family or at school, the store's manual provides her with a blueprint for social interaction, allowing her to master the art of fitting in by carefully mimicking her colleagues' mannerisms and speech. But as societal pressure mounts from those around her to abandon her job, find a husband, and pursue a "proper" career, Keiko is forced to take increasingly desperate measures to maintain the life she has carefully constructed. Through the eyes of this unforgettable heroine, Sayaka Murata delivers a sharp, ironic examination of contemporary work culture and the relentless pressure to conform, while offering a surprisingly tender portrait of an unusual psyche. This acclaimed international bestseller is a brilliant exploration of what it means to belong in a world that demands we all fit the same mold.

Reviews