Sayaka Murata

Natsuki isn't like the other girls. She has a wand and a transformation mirror. She might be a witch, or an alien from another planet. Together with her cousin Yuu, Natsuki spends her summers in the wild mountains of Nagano, dreaming of other worlds. When a terrible sequence of events threatens to part the two children forever, they make a promise: survive, no matter what.

Now Natsuki is grown. She lives a quiet life with her asexual husband, surviving as best she can by pretending to be normal. But the demands of Natsuki's family are increasing, her friends wonder why she's still not pregnant, and dark shadows from Natsuki's childhood are pursuing her. Fleeing the suburbs for the mountains of her childhood, Natsuki prepares herself with a reunion with Yuu. Will he still remember their promise? And will he help her keep it?

Earthlings

Mari-Claire Parrin

Karola

Firstly, I had to study hard to become a work tool. Secondly, I had to be a good girl, so that I could become a reproductive organ for the town. I would probably be a failure on both counts, I thought. 

"Until when?" I muttered, repressing the urge to cry. How long do we have to just survive? When will we be able to live rather than just focusing on surviving?"

Commentary on capitalist society. Also, relatable.

Jonnie

I wanted to study harder and become the sort of child that grown-ups found useful. Then, even if I was worthless, maybe I wouldn't be thrown out.

Also commentary on capitalist society. Also,,, relatable.

"Until when?" I muttered, repressing the urge to cry. "How long do we have to just survive? When will we be able to live rather than just focusing on surviving?"

She had always been exemplary in learning to be a woman, truly a straight-A student. It looked excruciatingly tiring.

Earthlings quotes

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