Convenience Store Woman

Suyaka Murata’s English-language debut is a compelling story of a lovable though sometimes psychopathic loner who exudes positivity and dedication in her job as a convenience store employee. Often confused by social behavior, Keiko Furukura is an awkward thirty-six year old who has worked at the Hiiromachi Station Smile Mart for over a decade. People in her life feel she should escape her dead-end job and find a man to marry, but Keiko enjoys the stability the convenience store provides and takes pride in her daily accomplishments. That is, until she encounters a disgruntled, sexist young man, Shiraha, in the store and wonders what it would be like to be involved in a committed relationship.

In a fresh voice, Convenience Store Woman offers a real look into contemporary Japanese culture, particularly the rigidity of the Japanese workplace and the standard pressures of marrying and having children. This unusual novella, which is perfect for reading in one sitting, is full of grating dialogue and is written with spare language that comes across as unfeeling at times, much like Keiko herself. Despite the occasionally unpleasant reading experience, the significance of Murata’s story is undeniable. Hopefully this will not be the last of Murata’s work to be translated into English.