In this funny, odd-ball and deeply emotional novel by Japanese debut novelist Sayaka Murata, we follow the book’s heroine Keiko, who is in her late 30’s and is working as a sales assistant in a convenience store, while living an unmarried and childless existence (considered to be a lowly state of affairs in Japan).
Keiko has been bullied and friendless for most of her life, because of her tendencies towards some odd behaviours. However, it is Keiko’s resilience, inner strength and tendencies towards kind behaviours really make you grow to love her as a character and want what’s best for her.
At age 18, her strong penchant for routine, maintaining detail and order made her the perfect loyal candidate for a job at Smile Mart, a convenience store in Tokyo. Without giving too much away, things begin to change and unspool, as Keiko is faced with some dramatic options in life.
Coming to Japan as a mere clueless Gaijin and going into convenience stores there, I was always struck by how clean and well-stocked these places are. Convenience Store woman is an opportunity to see behind the Cheerful and unassuming staff in these places and to get a window in the struggles they face on a daily basis.
Stumbling upon this book, I feel like I have unravelled a secret world. What is behind the smiles? Of course hardship, of course sadness and loneliness. This book shows us all of the humanity behind these people who are often treated as invisible or unimportant in Japan.
Convenience Store Woman was the first novel by Sayaka Murata, one that was semi-autobiographical and inspired by her own experience working for several years in a convenience store.
The novel has a strong emotive pulling power and an idiosyncratic lyricism and odd and quirky humour. I read it in one sitting it was just superb in every way. I recommend you read this one and give it five stars.
Content Catnip 
Thanks for reminding me to try this book – your recommendation took away my last bit of resistance!
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Oh good, I hope you enjoy it Jonelle, I have a feeling you will though 🙂
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Now I need to know what this “unconventional behaviour” was! (:
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She would go into the convenience store where she worked on her days off, to clean and order all of the shelves properly with the labels facing straight, just to make sure everything was all neat and tidy. She would serve customers on her days off because she really loved doing it. When she was young and in school she did a lot of weird things, weird but also cute, she seemed to be on the Autism spectrum I think. This book is really great and the character Keiko is so cute, I think you would like it Mike.
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