Izumi, 30 percent Sugawara, 20 percent the manager, and the rest absorbed from past colleagues such as Sasaki, who left six months ago, and Okasaki, who was our supervisor until a year ago. I am currently made up of 30 percent Mrs. “My present self is formed almost completely of the people around me. For all we talk about modern society and individualism, anyone who doesn’t try to fit in can expect to be meddled with, coerced, and ultimately banished from the village.” People who don’t fit into the village are expelled: men who don’t hunt, women who don’t give birth to children. the writing is awkward in some places and whether that's because of translation or because Keiko is awkward herself and takes her cues on how to speak by those around her, i'm not sure but it was fun! it's okay to be single and work a part time job if that's what you want! just a have a dream or goal for yourself. the illusions about what society calls normal and our human agreements about what’s considered a successful life or not. this story is a reflection on conformist society and how people impose their ideals for marriage and success onto others.

Keiko can very much fit into society if she wants and she proves that by copying other people's language and fashion, but she's mostly at peace with how she is. and she is not stupid for staying at the store for so long. Keiko who is self-acclaimed 'different', has worked in the convenient store for 18 years and she watches university students and also managers come and go.

!!!! what a fun, bizarre little book! i enjoyed it so much!! quick, easy read with an adorable narrator who doesn't fit societal expectations of what an adult 'should' be.

Sayaka murata goodreads