Reviews:
(1 day ago) |
19 Jan, 2025
Convenience Store Woman tells the story of a woman who has always struggled to fit into the rigid expectations of society. From a young age, her unconventional way of thinking set her apart, as illustrated by a childhood moment when, instead of mourning a dead bird, she suggested eating it, baffling those around her. This sense of detachment and misalignment with societal norms follows her into adulthood.
The protagonist finds solace and purpose working in a convenience store, a structured environment where she feels she can finally function without judgment. Her life becomes intertwined with the rhythms and routines of the store, and she begins to embody it in a machine-like way, devoted solely to maintaining its order.
The novel evokes themes reminiscent of Albert Camus’ The Stranger and Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human, portraying a character deeply alienated from society and grappling with existential questions. However, unlike those literary classics, this story left me feeling disconnected from the protagonist and her journey. While the exploration of societal norms and individuality is intriguing, the narrative felt flat and lacked emotional depth, making it difficult to fully engage with the character’s struggles or motivations.
Ultimately, while Convenience Store Woman may resonate with some readers who appreciate its minimalist style and themes of alienation, I found it unfulfilling and difficult to recommend. 2/5 stars.
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