Although the writing is slightly basic at times (or the translation?) I always love the ideas Sayaka Murata puts forward with her work! She does use similar themes as in Convenience Store Woman & Earthlings, but in new ways. So themes like fitting in, morals & customs in an ever changing society, alienation… cannibalism 👀 She does love a bit of cannibalism, but genuinely Life Ceremony was probably my favourite story in the collection! I also loved A First Rate Material, Puzzle, Eating the City and Hatchling. Some of these (Time of the Star, Poochie, A Summer Night’s Kiss) could have been omitted to no detriment.