This was the first of Murata’s novels to be translated into English from the original Japanese. It is a short novel, but with a strong grip.
The narrative is of the central character Keiko and her relationship with work, society and self. Her reaction to these is conditioned by her own social and communication issues, which leave her isolated, self-sufficient and misunderstood. She finds purpose, commitment and contentment working in a convenience store. This is challenged, on social and marital status grounds by family and the plot develops when she meets Shiraha in response to this.
The story is narrated in the first person by Keiko in a clear pared down, functional way, as bright as the lights in the convenience store. Pace is brisk and the style is ideal for drawing readers into the minutiae of the repetitive daily life of the store, textual rhythm imparts the predictability and synchronicity Keiko thrives on.
Keiko strives to fit in, even so, society seeks to mould her into something else. In this book work and basic conformity are not the great enemy, to Keiko being a part of the machine is a fulfilment. Yet greater conformity is demanded of her because understanding is lacking. We could say Keiko has no life, but how many of us really live lives that are not much different in essentials, repetition, specialised tasks, corporate procedure? Are those around her demanding she change any less conformist, happier, or ever made independent choices? These are all issues Murata extrapolates to extremes in her book, “Earthlings”
Irony and humour fizz around the edges of the story. Keiko has real challenges, she somehow rises to them, in context, the self-knowledge she has is impressive, her consciousness has to work overtime to mark time, which she achieves, without constructive help; a nine to five Samurai.
The work uses the particular to observe the general. Some criticism raises points about contradictions of character and unresolved issues. I think the book doesn’t seek to smooth over these issues, rather highlights them. Murata’s writing is artful and explodes taboos with creative confidence.
Mark's Reviews 