After reading Convenience Store Woman, I just knew I had to read more by Sayaka Murata. I really enjoy her quirky writing style and deadpan wit. Unlike CSW, this book has some really dark and twisted themes so I would recommend reading a list of the trigger warnings in this book to know what you're getting yourself into. I picked this one up because of the cute character on the front cover, Piyyut. It's quite literally the definition of "don't judge a book by its cover".
I don't know where to even start to describe this bizarre story, and it is pretty difficult without giving any spoilers. To describe Earthlings in one word for me would be 'insanity'. The belief in being non-human and the chaos that ensues. The story goes off in these odd tangents and you find yourself hooked. I read this in one sitting only. It's quite a short read but it is well-paced like CSW.
If you have read this and are looking for another alien-themed book I would recommend The Humans by Matt Haig. Similar to Earthlings, it gets you thinking about the bigger picture, through a strange warped lens.
I have added Life Ceremony by Murata to my TBR also after finding it in a local bookstore. I can't get enough of her works.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️