Wow, this book was gripping. But short! I felt like the rather abrupt ending was appropriate though 😁 Given Keiko’s very snappy approach to decision making. I can relate.
Which was one of the reasons I really liked this book. I could relate a lot to Keiko. The commentary about how people’s speech and mannerisms are unconsciously influenced by those around them but very consciously applied by Keiko herself made me feel so understood haha. Getting that balance right so people don’t realise you’re constructing a mask partially based on them…
Keiko’s super attention to detail and the way she loved her job because it was structured also resonated. As did the part where her sister visits only to bemoan her taking the effort to come out all this way when she doesn’t want to put in effort to ‘cure’ Keiko and Keiko’s reaction is one of bemusement since she is perfectly fine with her sister not investing in trying to ‘cure’ her. Although I could understand why Mami couldn’t detach herself from her sister’s life I was in agreement with Keiko haha.
The incel talk by Shihara was pretty damn real. Felt like I was reading a rant on the internet, really great translation work there. I felt dread when Keiko came to a quite logical conclusion about a partnership with Shihara, knowing that she wouldn’t consider the type of person he was and that he would try to take advantage of her. So it made me very happy when Keiko very abruptly dismissed him from her life plans. I was also happy because it felt like Keiko had decided to put her happiness over pretending to be ‘normal’.
One thing I did kinda wonder about though was why Keiko hadn’t risen the ranks to become a manager. She was obviously very good at understanding marketing, training people, putting in orders and being on schedule. Even though her innate ‘people skills’ might not have been suitable, I 100% believe she could have learned how best to manage people. But then again, it doesn’t really matter. She was content as she was. I’m pretty against the mentality that you always need to be aiming higher/for more money. Contentment is where I personally strive for.
So I enjoyed the book so much I immediately went and bought another Sayaka Murata one 😝
Categories: Book Reviews
Leave a Reply