AT ONLY 163 pages, this relatively short novel is told entirely from the viewpoint of Keiko, the protagonist of the story who, as the title suggests, works in a convenience store.
Her story will resonate with readers who wish they could be content in their own little worlds.
Keiko has always been considered a weirdo. From the time she was a little girl, she has displayed unique problem-solving methods such as hitting a child’s head with a shovel to stop a fight in a playground.
While her parents try to find ways to make her more ‘normal’, Keiko finally finds her calling when she lands a job in a convenience store to make extra money while studying in university.
Finally finding a place where she fits in, Keiko continues working there despite the fact that most people consider it a menial job and something one does for extra money.
Now at age 36, with no boyfriend (or husband) and no plans for the future, Keiko arrives at a crossroad in life.
Essentially, this is a story about a woman who has never fitted in but has found joy doing something that no one considers important. We should all be happy doing what we love.
