It’s the mirage that’s real. All our little lies are gathered together and become a reality that you can only see now. I passed him the bag containing the pair of wineglasses from Aya and Yumi, put down my purse and the bag of groceries, and took off my duffle coat. His smile instantly vanished, replaced by a scowl. I’ll read every book you write. I hope all your books are translated in English. I think you are positively great!!!

Yoshiko had just turned seventy-five. She had never had sex and had never kissed anyone either. She had never even once had intercourse with her older husband, who died five years earlier. Both of their daughters had been conceived by artificial semination, and she was still a virgin when she became a mother”.

Featured Reviews

I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a cool concept, especially considering how often animals are used for different products. I liked comparing the idea of using animals for products and using humans for products. If animals have been accepted for clothing and furniture for so long why shouldn't humans be accepted as well? Should either be accepted? Garner, Dwight (2018-07-23). " 'Convenience Store Woman' Casts a Fluorescent Spell". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 2021-12-05. This is the first collection of Murata's short stories translated into English, featuring twelve texts set in the present, future, and in alternate worlds, focusing on topics like: Aya nodded triumphantly. Yes, there are people like that who are loaded but just don’t understand fashion . . . but Naoki’s always so well-dressed, I’d never have expected it of him. When it comes to your wedding rings, though, I’d discuss that with him a bit more. After all, they’re what you’ll be using to pledge your eternal love for each other. She raised her teacup to her mouth. On her left hand was a ring made from pure white bone, her wedding ring, made from a fibula for her marriage last year, and it looked really good on her slender finger. I still clearly remembered how envious I’d felt when she’d happily shown it off to me, even while explaining that it was considerably cheaper than tooth. Miho was right, but I shook my head. I agree with you, but . . . anyway, for now I intend to furnish our house in a way that won’t cause any distress for Naoki.

This is the title of the book's story! Don't get too excited with that exclamation point. I was visibly repulsed by this book. Quite literally on the verge of barfing the entire time. I don't even want to give the plot because I want you all to read this yourself.not sure why this and earhtlings had so many similarities but other than that i liked the overall message a lot!

Talk about a unilateral decision. What could be more normal than making people into clothes or furniture after they die? How come you’ve got such an aversion to it?

I wouldn't even mind if the story was a bit longer but it had a lot more potential it just wasn't used to its best. I mean, normal is a type of madness, isn't it? I think it's just that the only madness society allows is called normal" - this quote from the title-giving story is more or less Sayaka Murata's poetological standpoint in a nutshell. The author does not only question society's taboos, customs and standards, but when she offers different viewpoints, she proceeds to challenge them as well, thus refraining from offering simple solutions, or rather; any solutions at all. The problem at hand is that the world is absurd, and there's no remedy, a fact that is horrifying, sad, but also quite funny, all at once. The unsettling ambiguity Sayaka Murata evokes is what makes her novels Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings so strong, and the same goes for this short story collection.