UserReviewexpand_more
hubAsk
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentpopular-24htrending_uppopular-weeknew_releaseslatest
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
tag
c/BeautyandHealth
tag
c/Children's
tag
c/Technology
tag
c/Tourism
tag
c/Animals
theaters
c/FilmandTV
tag
c/Books
tag
c/Products
tag
c/Tableware
tag
c/Auto
add
View All
RESOURCES
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Safety Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
A Refreshing Take on Japanese Literature
jeremyC_
Books•4 days ago
4star
The Combo Man by Sayaka Murata
Ürünstar 4.0

The Combo Man by Sayaka Murata

This novel by Sayaka Murata is a wild ride into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. It's a fascinating read that'll keep you up at night wondering about the intricacies of human connections and the unspoken rules that govern our lives. You'll find yourself questioning everything from family dynamics to societal expectations.
chevron_right

A Refreshing Take on Japanese Literature

summarizeEditor's Summary

Diving into Japanese literature was a long time coming, and this book did not disappoint. The quirky protagonist had me hooked from the start, and the themes of identity and community really resonated. The writing's atmospheric and engaging, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore Japanese culture. With its short, punchy chapters and thought-provoking ideas, this book's a great addition to any reader's collection, offering a refreshing take on Japanese literature.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6
Review image 7
Review image 8
Review image 9
Review image 10

settingsSpecifications

Dil7/10
Kararİyi
Konusu9/10
HikayeKalitesi8/10
Hello everyone!
I've been itching to dive into Japanese literature for ages, and I finally snagged this book at a great price from Fix Price. It's a risk-free purchase, and I'm always up for trying something new.
Main Details
Number of pages: 144 pages Cover type: Softcover Publisher: Popcorn Books Release year: 2020 Genre: Contemporary Prose, Contemporary Foreign Literature, Realism
Book Summary
Kayako Furukura seems like an oddball to everyone around her. She lives alone, doesn't want to get married, and has worked at the same mini-market her whole life. But when a new coworker joins the team, everything changes for Kayako...
Japan's a pretty patriarchal society, and if you don't fit in with the norms, you're likely to struggle finding a job or getting married. But is it really worth sacrificing your true passions for the sake of others? Kayako's story raises some interesting questions about finding your own path in life.
Kayako knows she's different, but she tries to fit in, even if it doesn't always work out.
Reading Kayako's story is actually kind of heartbreaking, especially for someone like me who's always tried to conform to societal expectations. It makes me wonder if I'm just being too conventional.
Kayako's just happy being herself, but she doesn't always realize how special she is.
This book was a quick and easy read - I devoured it in a day. The story's engaging, and you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The ending's a bit of a letdown, though. It's not that it's confusing, but I wanted more closure.
I loved how the author portrayed Kayako's relationships with her coworkers. It's clear that she's been working at the same mini-market for a long time, and it's interesting to see how she interacts with the people around her.
The author does a great job of exploring the themes of identity and conformity. It's a really relevant topic, especially in a society like Japan where there's a lot of pressure to fit in.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who's interested in Japanese literature or is looking for a thought-provoking read. Just be aware that the ending might be a bit disappointing, but it's still a great story.
One thing that struck me was how Kayako's story made me think about my own life. It's easy to get caught up in societal expectations, but this book reminded me that it's okay to be different.
Overall, I'd say this book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in Japanese culture or is looking for a story that'll make them think.
Thanks for reading, everyone! I hope you're all doing well and staying healthy!
Best regards!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the book about?

The story follows Kayako Furukura, a quirky and introverted young woman who works at a mini-market in Japan. When a new coworker joins the team, Kayako's life is turned upside down, and she's forced to confront her own identity and sense of purpose.

What genre is the book?

The book's classified as contemporary prose, contemporary foreign literature, and realism, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy literary fiction or international literature.

Who's the author?

The book was written by Kazuo Ishiguro, a renowned Japanese-British author known for his lyrical and thought-provoking writing style.

How many pages is the book?

The book has 144 pages, making it a quick and easy read that's perfect for commuters or anyone looking for a light, engaging story.

What's the cover type?

The book has a softcover cover, making it a great choice for readers who prefer a more affordable or portable option.

Who's the publisher?

The book was published by Popcorn Books, a reputable publisher known for their high-quality literary fiction titles.

What's the release year?

The book was released in 2020, making it a relatively recent title that's still widely available.

What's the genre?

The book's classified as contemporary prose, contemporary foreign literature, and realism, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy literary fiction or international literature.

check_circlePros

  • •The writing's incredibly atmospheric, with a great sense of place and culture.
  • •The protagonist's quirky personality had me laughing and rooting for her from the start.
  • •The themes of identity and community are really thought-provoking and relatable.
  • •The book's short, punchy chapters make it easy to devour in one sitting.
  • •The story's engaging and unpredictable, with plenty of twists and turns.
  • •The author's use of language is beautiful and evocative, making the story feel really immersive.
  • •The book offers a unique perspective on Japanese culture and society.
  • •The characters are well-developed and complex, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

cancelCons

  • •Some readers might find the protagonist's quirks a bit too intense or off-putting.
  • •The book's themes and ideas might not be as universally appealing as some other works of literature.
  • •The writing can be a bit dense or heavy-handed at times, which might make it hard to get through for some readers.
  • •The story's pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections feeling a bit rushed or slow.
  • •The book's ending might feel a bit abrupt or unsatisfying for some readers.
  • •The author's use of language can be a bit too flowery or purple at times, which might be off-putting for some readers.
  • •The book deals with some heavy themes, which might be triggering for some readers.
  • •The translation can be a bit clunky at times, which might detract from the reading experience.

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

The Combo Man by Sayaka Murata

The Combo Man by Sayaka Murata

Ürüne Git

Related Reviews

More reviews in Books.

View all reviews
A Life-Changing Guide to Understanding Why We Get Sick: My Take on 'Practical Psychosomatics'
Portrait of clever-sparrow-6797
clever-sparrow-6797• 2 days ago

A Life-Changing Guide to Understanding Why We Get Sick: My Take on 'Practical Psychosomatics'

Discover the connection between our emotions, thoughts, and physical health with 'Practical Psychosomatics' by Artem Tolokonin. Read our review to learn more ab

Other Books
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
My Honest Take on Shirtmaking and Pattern Cutting
Portrait of sophieW_
sophieW_• 2 days ago

My Honest Take on Shirtmaking and Pattern Cutting

A realistic review of the Shirtmaking and Pattern Cutting magazine, including its pros and cons.

Newspapers and Magazines
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
A Month of Japanese Crosswords That Won't Break the Bank
Portrait of DanielRooks
DanielRooks• 2 days ago

A Month of Japanese Crosswords That Won't Break the Bank

Get a month's worth of Japanese crosswords in a single journal – perfect for casual puzzle fans like you!

Newspapers and Magazines
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0