(Subdue) Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata – 4 Stars

[Hannah]

I really liked this story about 36-year-old Keiko, a convenience store worker who has never fit in. Whilst at work, Keiko understands exactly what is expected of her, and has a helpful manual to follow as well as co-workers whose dress, mannerisms and speech she can copy. Despite being very happy with her life, Keiko is finding herself under pressure from her family, friends, and co-workers to find a husband and start a proper career. This is a story unlike and I have read previously, and whilst being funny, it was also incredibly sad at times.