Convenience Store Woman: The Book that got me out of my reading slump

I had been experiencing a major reading slump ever since I moved to the UK. I used to mostly read mangas, but a book I found in the Translated Fiction section at Waterstones helped me break out of my 5-year-long slump. Due to its size, I wasn't intimidated by the book, which boosted my confidence to read contemporary fiction again.

Keiko Furukura is a 36-year-old convenience store worker who has been in the same position since she was 18. Her life is routine - she wakes up, takes care of herself, and goes to work. However, her family, coworkers, and friends don't understand why she hasn't moved on to something better.

Despite this, Keiko is content with her life, which nobody can seem to accept. Keiko has to conform and rebel in the right way and in the right amount, or else she'll be ostracised for it.

"People who are considered normal enjoy putting those who aren't on trial, you know."

The novel, written by Sayaka Murata and published in 2016, explores the concept of conformity in a world that demands we follow the rules but also criticizes us for doing so.

Keiko Furukara is a woman who appears to be struggling with a condition but is unaware of it. As she narrates her own life, she explains her way of thinking and feeling, which makes sense to us as readers.

However, this can be scary because we are part of the society that makes her feel like an outsider. We follow certain rules, have ambitions and goals to achieve, and strive to be functional members of society.

Keiko's story makes us question our own ambitions and desires. Why do we crave the best job, the best car, the best family, and the most money? Are these aspirations truly ours, or are we fighting with ourselves to achieve something that we may not even want?

Keiko herself wonders if she should strive for more, as her family seems happy only when she appears to follow the conventional path, which for women means having a career and a man by her side. Moreover, after a certain age, it seems like any man would be the right man, which isn't necessarily true.

I was completely absorbed in the story. It was a welcome escape from the monotony of my days, but as it turned out, the protagonist was experiencing the same thing as me.

This book left me with many questions about life and a desire to read more.