Butter: THE No. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SENSATION Paperback – 29 Feb. 2024

This book seems to have been everywhere. It has been heavily marketed and has won much praise, including Waterstones Book of the Year. I've also noticed it is currently high up in the bestsellers lists - quite an achievement for a translated novel. I'd read several Japanese novels since visiting the country a couple of years ago when I found myself fascinated by the culture and society.We then chose this as our book club book so I was delighted to try it.The paperback version that I read uses thick paper. It has 452 pages split into 16 chapters. I like the folded sides of the lovely cover as it gives a luxury feel. The front and back covers are worthy of mention as they make the book stand out amongst others.This was first published in Japan in 2017 then translated to English and published here in 2024.We are immediately put into a Japanese society with a contrast between two women - one working and the other at home. This could be anywhere in the world but there is a precise way to describe their circumstances which is decidedly set in the Far East.Food is also of huge importance from the start with a shared meal being described in great detail, also conversations returning again and again to the food.The writing style is complex and every word must be read so there is no skim reading this book.I read a lot of crime but I've never read anything like this where the journalist seems to be infatuated with the criminal.The descriptions of the food continue to be simply mouth watering, Of course, some of it is unfamiliar but quickly you realise that doesn't matter. I'm happy to research dishes but it is better just to sit back and enjoy the sensations.There is a fine line between sensual and sexual which this novel explores with food being used to build the bridge. Eating is often described as a sensual experience and here it is often sexual as well. I admire that the translator has not compromised the premise and allowed the Japanese feel to remain.I had to work hard to read the book as the names of people and places are unfamiliar so difficult to remember but the effort is worthwhile.We spend a lot of time with Rika so it is strange when the narrative shifts but good to see the world from an alternative perspective.Mostly the senses are employed for pleasure so it's a surprise when we experience some more uncomfortable sights and smells.Odd, uncomfortable and bleak seem to be the best words for this book but it hooked me completely. I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen to all three women at the centre of the story. I couldn't help wanting to get to the end though and I'm not convinced I completely enjoyed the book.The themes around feminism and society are very dark and I kept pondering which of the women was living the bleakest life - probably not the one in prison. The relationships between the three are really important as they change throughout the book.

Excellent read but difficult to describe. Enter a mysterious, delicious and fascinating world …. Made me so hungry for more

Not the book I was expecting from the blurb. I think a fellow bookclub member summed it up well when they described it as a "Coming of age story for the thirty-something." It wasn't really about the "crime" but about the people.it was interesting to learn more about Japanese society and the issues and pressures faced by women there. it was a bit of a slog to read, very longwinded descriptive chapters compared to other Japanese authors.Glad I've finished it, I think it won book of the year at Waterstones because it was different to the usual Western based books.

This novel remarkably succeedsIn exposing Japanese society, feminist debates and modern life pressures through a very unusual crime story. The book is punctuated equally by twists test wil keep you engaged and food descriptions so vivid they will make you mouth water! The writing is a not slow at times and the ending disappointingly cheesy but overall i did enjoy this book!

I really enjoy reading Japanese fiction (translated of course) and I was intrigued when I read the blurb for Butter. Particularly that is it was inspired by ‘The Konkatsu Killer’ who I confess I had not heard off until reading the book. The first thing I have to say is do not get deceived by the title and front cover. This is not a quick and easy read but rather like a good meal is something to be savoured. The novel is thought provoking and offers a deep insight into Japanese culture and the culinary arts.The heart of the novel focuses on the relationship between women and ultimately female liberation. While Kaji is of course murderess Yuzuki goes a great way to explain or offer an exploration of what made her the way she is. Rika by contrast we see on her journey of ‘coming out of her shell’ as her friendship grows with Kaji. The characters, while not all likeable are incredibly well put together and realistic.The writing is interesting and kept me captivated. In a way this was almost like a cook book with the detail and inspired meals. It is most definitely a unique read and one that some cultural aspects might be lost on a Western reader if they are not familiar with Japanese culture but I do not believe this creates too much of a barrier since you can enjoy the story as is. I have already ordered a physical copy and will definitely be re-reading in the future. It’s a beauty story about female friendship (arguably manipulation) and overcoming misogyny.

This may be a very good book and it's beautifully written. ...But it wasn't for me. My usual reading diet is made up of competently written crime and thrillers. This was way too esoteric for my more plebeian tastes. So if you like your books to be page turners, who dunnits, have touches of humour....perhaps give this a miss. My number one entertainment expenditure by far is Amazon Kindle books. Being careful.with money I am determined to finish my purchases.and it is as an extreme case if I dont...But life is just too short for any more pages of this. Sorry everyone.

Quite an odd novel and although I've given 3 stars, Butter was not really my cup of tea.

An unusual tale indeed. Kept me riveted and gave me an appetite for more.