Alex’s Reviews > Convenience Store Woman > Status Update

I think that the final part with the new store is a good twist. She declares that she is a "Convenience Store Worker" and not human. She has found her purpose in the environment and that is where she fits the best, disregarding Shiraha's village perception. Also the hospital part is a metaphor, imo, for her being reborn into this position. Even if she is not "normal" this is where she is perfect.

The section where she visits the store in the city is interesting. She seems to be revitalized again when entering because of the store's "voice" (all the sounds that are familiar to her). She gets into work mode when she isn't even an employee. "I knew instinctively what this store needed without even having to think about it." She notices how everything is untidy or badly managed and takes on the employee persona.

I found the twist with Shiraha interesting. I do think that it makes sense that Furukura would be bombarded with new questions about this new man in her life but I can see this as an example of gender roles switching. Now that she is seen as coupled, she is more popular and of value but she still needs to be "cured," both in the eyes of her friends, co-workers and sister. It makes me feel a bit annoyed and lost?

I'm having fun with the book being about half way. I did this for a perspective on Japan college course in the contemporary unit and found it fascinating. I enjoy how the main charater Furukura Keiko seems to be Autistic, if not coded that way, and how her life has revolved around this convenience store for the past 18 years with little to no change.