Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata [Paperback]

*Convenience Store Woman* by Sayaka Murata is a contemporary novel that tells the story of Keiko Furukura, a 36-year-old woman who has spent 18 years working at a convenience store in Tokyo. Keiko, who feels disconnected from societal expectations, finds comfort and purpose in the routine and predictability of her job. Despite pressure from her family and society to conform to traditional norms—such as marrying or pursuing a more "respectable" career—Keiko resists, preferring the simplicity of her life in the store.

The novel explores themes of social alienation, the expectations placed on women, and the concept of normalcy. Keiko’s perspective offers a unique commentary on modern Japanese society, as she grapples with her identity and her place in the world. Through Keiko’s character, Murata critiques societal pressures while also celebrating individuality and the value of unconventional choices. 

This book has been praised for its dark humor, sharp social commentary, and its empathetic portrayal of someone who defies the typical life path.