Sometimes, a book finds its way into your life and lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, weaving its words into your very soul. This was one of those books for me.

Olive is a woman in her thirties, surrounded by her three best friends, all navigating different phases of womanhood. One is a mother of three, another is on the journey to becoming a mother, while the third struggles with infertility, going through her second round of IVF. Olive, however, stands at a different crossroads—she’s recently broken up with her long-time partner because she doesn't see herself having children. This decision haunts her, as societal pressures and the judgment of those around her make her feel as though something is wrong with her for not wanting to become a mother. Yet, deep down, she knows it’s the weight of those expectations talking. Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling of isolation as her friends seem to drift away, their lives moving in a direction that Olive can’t follow.

This story masterfully explores the complexity of womanhood and how each of Olive's friends, including Olive herself, defines it in their own way. It’s a debut novel that feels honest, sensitive, and deeply relatable, particularly for women in their thirties who are navigating the uncertainties of adulthood. The narrative approaches the subject of motherhood—and the choice to forgo it—with an authenticity that is rare, and I found myself pausing every so often, closing the book, and reflecting on the emotions it stirred in me.

As a woman working in a male-dominated field, Olive's journey resonated with me on a personal level. There’s a parallel in the way both she and I have been shaped by societal expectations that don’t necessarily align with our own desires. Like Olive, I’ve often felt the weight of being “different” or not fitting the mold that others expect. The guilt Olive feels for not wanting children is something I’ve experienced too—although in a different context—when I’ve chosen to prioritize my career and personal passions over what others believe is the “right” path for me. Reading about Olive’s struggle with her decisions made me reflect on my own choices, the pressures I've faced, and the courage it takes to own your truth, even when it feels like the world is moving ahead without you.

This book isn't just about Olive’s story—it’s about all of us who feel like we’re navigating life out of step with the people around us. It’s a reminder that our paths don’t have to look the same and that the beauty of womanhood lies in its many forms. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially for those who feel they’re stuck in that #adulthood phase where everyone else seems to be charging forward while you’re standing still. This book will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s no one way to live a fulfilling life.

On the surface, "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata seems to tell the story of ordinary life—mundane, routine, and uneventful. Yet beneath that simplicity, it taps into something deeper, something we often feel uncomfortable acknowledging, especially when it comes to societal expectations. 

Throughout the novel, Keiko, the protagonist, speaks of having a "disease" that she doesn’t quite understand. She’s constantly aware of the people around her trying to “fix” her, but no one really knows how to heal what they can’t fully grasp. In response, Keiko mirrors the habits and behaviors of others to blend in, to appear normal. But even as she adopts these societal norms, her actions are still questioned by those around her. This creates an intriguing tension—what does it mean to be “normal,” and who gets to define it?

Murata subtly critiques the rigid norms of Japanese society, particularly the expectations placed on individuals who work in roles deemed "ordinary," like convenience store workers. The book explores how society imposes its own version of normalcy on people, trying to “cure” those who don’t fit into its prescribed boxes. It highlights the discomfort we feel when confronted with someone who doesn’t follow the expected life path, even when that person seems perfectly content in their own world.

This novel also delves into the broader human struggle of navigating societal expectations—how we are conditioned to fit in, to be “normal,” often at the expense of our individuality. It raises questions about how much of our identity is shaped by external pressures, and whether we ever truly live for ourselves or for the approval of others.

Should you read this book? Absolutely. Convenience Store Woman is a refreshing and unique read, offering a glimpse into the author’s own experiences and a fresh perspective on what it means to live outside society’s norms. It’s a quiet yet powerful exploration of human behavior, social conformity, and the unspoken rules that govern everyday life. 

Have you read Convenience Store Woman? I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.