I love this book!! Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a novel translated from Japanese to English which also contains references to Japanese culture. Personally I love learning about different cultures, and every time I found a new concept, I'd then spend quite a bit of time Googling about it etc. As a result, this novel was more than just a novel, it was a superb experience and I feel like I gained so much from it!!

I feel like the more I love a book, the less I can find to say about it, which is frustrating when I'm trying to write a review. But I thought this was so so good. The characters were fantastic and so nuanced and full of life. The commentary and exploration of feminist themes and women's relationships with their bodies/food/each other/men/within families/careers, was just incredible. There are so many passages I highlighted because they really spoke to me. And apart from that, the descriptions of food were absolutely mouth watering and now I want to take cooking classes. Thank you very much to 4th Estate publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, I'm absolutely thrilled I got to read it and will be recommending it to everyone!

If you’re looking for a quick easy read then this isn’t for you but if you want an intense, thoughtful read that will take you on a journey through Japanese culture then this is most definitely for you. This book is a slow and steady read that takes time to look at relationships between friends, family, and partners. It highlights the high levels of misogyny that still exist in society, and how this impacts not only relationships between men and women but between women particularly those women who are perceived as over-weight. It explores people’s relationships with food which is a really unique and enjoyable aspect of this story that makes the story very relatable.. The story of murder and the convicted killer Kaji is central to this story but is somehow very cleverly understated too at the same time. The focus of the story falls on Rika the journalist researching Kaji’s case as she starts to learn more about who she is and wants to be. As Rika learns more about Kaji she learns more about herself. I was rather appropriately, I think, slowly seduced by this thought provoking book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline, the setting, all so different.
At first, it seemed like a strange title for a book that isn’t a cookbook - Butter.
As the story unfolds however, it felt more and more like a different type of cookbook with the ingredients comprising all the fascinating and complex characters we meet along the way.
The author gives us a really captivating and enchanting story and the end left me wanting to know what next.
I would highly recommend it.

A totally new and original story, but the fact that’s it’s based on a true story is so outrageous it’s brilliant. It incorporates everything that’s needed to be the best book club discussion, if I’m not already obsessed by Japanese culture this book has made me make the decision to visit.

This is a compelling read. In the tradition of Murakami and others, another classic Japanese novel which translates so well to English. In no short measure, due to the skills of Polly Barton, the translator. This is a multi-layered read with a crime story wrapped up in gastro-lit and a window into Japanese society. The writing flowed well and is a page-turner of sorts. One of the books of the year in its originality and readibility.


Thank you NetGalley and 4th estate for the ARC

At its essence, the book unravels as a mesmerizing tale, intricately weaving the realms of food, pleasure, and obsession. It fearlessly explores the unsettling facets of misogyny, obsession, romance, and the unconventional pleasures embedded in Japan's culinary tapestry. Rooted in true events, particularly the haunting serial murders in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the book transcends its gastronomic allure. It evolves into a poignant examination of societal challenges, addressing themes like lookism, self-esteem, and the intricate struggles confronted by working women. As guided by the skilled hands of Asako Yuzuki, the protagonist, the story transforms into an immersive journey. Yuzuki's narrative finesse seamlessly melds the delights of the palate with a profound exploration of the intricate complexities inherent in the human experience.
It's important to highlight the outstanding work of Polly Barton, the translator, who consistently delivers excellence in her craft.

Butter ,by Asako Yuzuki,is the story of the relationship between journalist Rika Machida and convicted serial killer Manako Kajii. The incarcerated Kajii has always refused to speak to the press about the murders so Rika approaches her on another subject,her love of gourmet food and cooking , hoping to win her trust then eventually get a big scoop on her crimes.
Rika is initially overwhelmed by Kajii,a manipulative and sultry figure, and finds herself feeling almost seduced and emulating the epicurean convict trying to win her favour. Researching Kajii's background ,sometimes with the help of friends who don't see her in the same way as she does, Rika discovers as much about herself as her subject.
This is quite an amazing book,on the surface it's the story of a reporter looking for the truth about a convict claiming to be innocent,which isn't overly original. It's much more than that with the book being more about Rika finding her place and direction in life with Kajii often an unusual and unaware mentor balanced by Rika's small circle of good friends and acquaintances.
It's a hard book to categorise, food plays a very big part and Rika's experiences of it are almost allegorical with her changing life. It's more about self-awareness and personal growth than a crime novel,it's about friendship and differing perceptions as well as manipulation and narcissism. Some of the revelations about Japanese society are deeply disturbing,not least the attitudes towards teenage girls and to a slightly lesser extent women in general.
While there is a criminal and her crimes as a big part of this book it's not a crime novel and if you think it's going to be you'll be disappointed. If you want to read something a bit different and very special,the writing is beautiful,something that will slowly draw you in and make you think,you'll enjoy this.

Wow!
I never thought that I would be giving positive feedback to a book called Butter, which has recipes of how butter enhances your food, running throughout the book.
This book, however, is not just a recipe book, although the recipes and their results are an essential part of the plot.
This book is a psychological thriller that works on lots of levels, each interdependent on the other.
The book contains insights into a different type of life in Japan to any that I have read in other books.
I loved every aspect of it, the happy parts, the sad parts, and all of the linking bits.
I don't know how the author is going to follow up this book, but I would love to find out.
This book is worth reading whatever you favourite genre of book is, it has a bit of most things.
Fantastic!
My thanks to the author for the hours of enjoyment that the book has brought me, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Probably the most intense book I’ve read. Between the culture, the food and the crime this is an unputdownable feast for any fan of immersive thrills.

Described as a novel about food and murder based on a true crime story, I knew immediately, Butter was going to be a book I would devour. On starting the book I expected a fast paced Japanese true-crime style thriller with some food thrown in but what I got was a meandering lustrous story about hunger. Hunger for food, for knowledge, for connections and above all for acceptance.

While yes Butter is all about the food, it is also about so much more than just the food and it is this intricate folding of tantalising food descriptions with pervading commentary on women's weight and beauty standards in Japan which had me hooked. Yuzuki’s skill of blending such contrasting topics enables the reader to challenge their own thinking without feeling too much confrontation. Asako also beautifully depicts many intricacies of Japanese daily living, customs and culture that it’s easy to sink into Rika’s surrounding world.

Yuzuki also shines a mirror on people’s relationships with food, and even their lack thereof, examining connections to childhood, trauma and even individuals’ character and level of self-acceptance, posing many deeper questions. Is food a stand in for pleasure and fulfilment or a representation of it?

A masterpiece in contrast, it somehow felt warmingly comforting, yet clawingly putrid at times. I didn’t so much devour Butter, but indulgently nibbled away and savoured its many layers. Think more of a sumptuous 10 course tasting menu that is hard to forget rather than a punchy 2 course early bird and you’re close.

'What's wrong with coating barren, flavorless reality in oodles of melted butter and seasoning it with condiments and spices.'

"Butter" starts as the tale of a journalist looking for an "in" to build rapport with a suspected serial killer, then spreads outwards from there like butter melting in a pan. Taking in the casual misogyny of Japanese society, the weight of expectations, the evolution of friendships and relationships, and the way that passion can become obsession (just as devotion can turn to loathing). Running alongside all of that is the journey of a young woman finding herself through food (in a way).
This book is delicious, and reading it will make you hungry.
Don't say I didn't warn you!
(Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC)