Butter: THE No. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SENSATION

I can't recall how I came across this book, but I am very glad that I read it. It's a phenomenal read, more of a psychological drama than a how-done-it. Who's the protagonist of the book: is it Kaiji the accused killer, or Rika, the investigating journalist? Many of the central characters are female, etched out to embody different choices women make in a society. Though it's a thriller novella, because of the context and the characters, it's also a socio-cultural commentary, allowing for self-reflection. Enjoyable on many levels & I suspect, I will re-read it soon 👍

Just finished reading this book and I’m glad to say this was a good read. Inspired by true events, Butter is a compelling story of a serial killer and her comeuppance. While this book has traces of a thriller, it leans heavily on the character study of Manako Kaji, her journey. If this book is approached as a thriller with expectations of suspense and a great ending, you’ll be disappointed. Coming to the book, I have to credit the translator, Polly Barton for doing a stupendous job in getting the tone just right for the book. Asako Yuzuki herself can be called a master of butter with her words. The prose in this book is easy to read yet very complex in it emotions. It draws parallels of food while talking about feminism, societal expectations of women, their bodies, achieving true freedom in one’s life and does an excellent job in achieving that. It definitely made me hungry and I wanted to eat some butter whilst thinking about life. Such is this book, deeply contemplative and delicious. However, being at 464 pages, this does become a tedious read. I had to give myself a little nudge to finish the book past 250 pages. It needed a better edit and could’ve been much concise in the story.

This is a story about hunger: for food, for connection, for sensuality, for friendship, for knowledge, for independence, and for acceptance. A world in which women are expected to feed and nurture men but literally, and metaphorically, starve themselves – at one point author observes that the average Japanese woman now routinely consumes fewer daily calories than women post-WW2, a period in Japan notorious for famine and mass starvation. I thought Yuzuki’s book was a worthwhile read overall, it offers some interesting insights into Japanese society,it presents itself as a thriller, but its darker waters hide provoking themes of isolation, gender roles, societal expectations, body image, and autonomy. Our protagonist, Rika, is a thirty-something journalist who is attempting to get an exclusive interview with a woman who is on trial for the murder of three men—who she seduced with delicious home cooking . Slow read and this book Could have been half the size as it was very very dragged book but luscious food writing made huge craving for butter, and I'm going to buy the highest quality butter and put it on a bowl of steamed rice with soy sauce and maybe a fried egg on top.😀

The quality was good and the shipping was fast

Butter, high impact and as a friend said, soft on the surface, razor sharp underneath! At the heart of the book is Kajii, a murder accused, who also happens to be a gourmet cook Rika, a journalist, is convinced there's another angle to Kajii, whose link to the serial murders, she's accused of, is circumstantial. Reiko, a close friend of Rika's, has quit her profession to focus on family. Between these three women, Butter explores multiple dynamics. It moves at a fast pace, with the reader constantly coping with the mind play of the characters. Asako Yuzuki delivers the punches in a matter of fact manner - misogyny, body image, perceptions around sexuality in the workspace and society, caregiving challenges, media manipulation - the story keeps opening and shutting presumptions, as far it's unfolding is concerned. Food occupies pride of place in this book. Vividly described preparation, taste and palates, the gastronomic component is a complete character, by itself. The importance of a strong support system, whether family or in many instances, one's friends, comes through as the saving grace for it's characters, grounding them and creating space for them to evaluate what truly matters. Butter is it's namesake - smooth, slippery, with a taste that can't be ignored. Highly readable.

I mean, it's a detailed explanation on Japanese food culture. If you don't follow that, it's way difficult to follow the book as you will loose interest in a flick.

Good amount! That what will come to my mind every time I think of this book. Those who know will know.

The book has an interesting idea, but it feels very slow. I liked how it explored food and how society judges women, but it was often repetitive.😶 If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, this isn't it. It’s an okay read, but it didn't fully grab my attention.

Thanks for the book

Featuring a captivating blend of culinary intrigue and psychological depth, 'Butter' by Asako Yuzuki is a must-read. Inspired by true events, this gripping tale explores the enigmatic world of a female gourmet cook and convicted serial killer. Yuzuki's storytelling prowess shines as she delves into themes of misogyny, obsession, and the transformative power of food. With endorsements from critics and authors alike, 'Butter' is a compelling and unsettling journey that will leave readers hungry for more

great read

I thought this book was an amazing read. I am fascinated with the subject matter and the characters transformation within the story. I think the role of misogyny in the Japanese culture and the commentary that comes to play within the various characters arcs are poignant and relevant to now. I don’t want to give too much away so I will end with me thought that we can all take a lesson on being careful with our emotions and where we place them, choose deserving individuals to share them with.

Really good read