Keiko Furukura is 36 years old, and has worked at a Smile Mart convenience store for over 18 years. She is comforted by her routine and the sense of purpose and identity she achieves in this role. She's quirky, she's an oddball character for sure, but she's happy. She's also very endearing, and I very quickly found myself rooting for Keiko and her happiness. 

It's not until other people start imposing their own expectations onto Keiko that she begins to feel conflicted. Whether it's her co-workers, family, or childhood friends, everyone seems to have an opinion on what Keiko "should" be doing with her life. Keiko remains true to herself and her happiness, but nevertheless tries to appease those around her, if for no other reason than to be left to what makes her happy. 

A LOT of reviews make assumptions that Keiko is autistic, but I couldn't find anything from the author Murata directly about this. I think to focus on this specific detail misses the point of the book, and also puts blinders on the reader when it comes to understanding Keiko as a character.

Convenience Store Woman revealed itself to me as a commentary about the expectations that we as a society place on people. It also speaks very directly about how we as individuals define our own happiness. In rooting for Keiko's happiness, I we as readers can be more confident in prioritizing our own. 

This was a beautiful and touching book in its own quirky way, and I highly recommend it.