Granta Books Convenience Store Woman

This being a short novel I thought I would have finished it quickly, however I've had to really force myself to finish it. I liked the message, at least the message that I got from it, which is basically to do what makes you happy inspite of society's expectations, however the story could have been better. I really didn't take to any of the characters, it's usually quite easy to form a picture of characters in a novel and they become quite familiar, however they were all pretty unlikeable. On the front cover there's a review saying 'Haunting, dark, and often hilarious...' I didn't find myself laughing much at all. I think that I had very different expectations going into this and wonder if it would be more enjoyable in Japanese. I did actually like the ending, but for me most of the book plodded and I don't feel like it was worth the time.

I should think that most reviewers have used the word 'quirky' somewhere and - to be honest - it's hard to resist.The translation has been well done and the tone of the writing retains echoes the unselfconscious narrator. A straightforward plot which won't confuse or bewilder, meaning that the reader can just enjoy the ride and the gradual character revelation.It's pretty short, so would make a good book on your commute, weekend away, or just a lazy armchair read on a rainy day.If you like indie movies, you'll probably like this.

I bought this book after comments on YT about autism in Japan mentioned it. I am autistic and the protagonist is a woman who works in a convenience store (hence the title), which piqued my interest.The book is well written from that point of view, the characters are recognisable outside Japan ... there is a big BUT coming through: For me, things got lost in translation between British/Irish English and American English - which, in my short experience, is mostly used in translations of Japanese books.I'm accustomed to the concept of convenience stores in the UK and Ireland being run either by families or a chain with two members of staff like off-licences/corner shops (think Coronation Street or Open All Hours) or a small row of shops up the road from the house. My mum worked in ones similar to the examples.This convenience store is situated in a less urban environment not far from offices. It was an 'oh, I see' moment for me.Were the rave reviewers reading the same book? When they said 'quirky', sure, I agreed with them. It was quirky as heck! But hilarious and laugh-out-loud and other superlatives? What exactly was it that made them laugh? Here is where I struggled. A small chuckle in places but my sides weren't exactly splitting like bananas awaiting three scoops of ice cream.

This quick read does what it says on the cover. It is all about a convenience store worker who loves her job to the exclusion of everything and everyone else - that is until an oddball comes into her shop/life. Don't worry - this doesn't turn into a love story. It just gets a little quirky, but it all settles back down to sitting behind a till by the end.The story is fun to read but what I found most interesting was the description of the running of a shop with its sounds and people. Apparently mundane unless you are involved. A pleasant eye-opener.Convenience Store Woman might be good as a holiday read - there is nothing heavy here - nothing to think too deeply about and it is easy to turn over the page ... and the next... and the next... and, oh well, the next ... come to think about, you'd better take a second book, too, because you may finish this one in quick time.

This is totally charming. It's moving, funny, heartwarming and affirming. Ginny Tapley Takemori has done a cracking job with the translation on this. Even if she doesn't believe in the use of commas, which leads to a few confusing sentences.If you don't think they are important either, read the following,The customer said the writer thought commas were important/The customer, said the writer, thought commas were important.See my point? Anyway, that's a minor one. This is a charming tale, not least because its heroine is on the autistic spectrum, though this is never explicitly stated.She gets through her life by doing what others do, to fit in.When I first realised that was what she was, it tugged at my heartstrings, but from then on in, it's a source of many a wry smile.There are dozens of Japanese cultural references scattered through the book. It helps if you have some knowledge of these, but a quick Google will tell you all you need to know.The story it sends out to all those who hear not just a different drum, but a different orchestra, is be yourself, and be true to yourself.I loved the interactions between the characters, just so Japanese. Especially the bitchiness.Convenience stores are a massive part of life in Japan, and this helps you to understand why.I really want one in my locality.. perhaps one day.