This book was discussed in one of our Cochin Book Club meets couple of years before and wanted to read it since then. Inspired by real events, based on the case of the “Konkatsu Killer” (Kanae Kijima), a con woman and gourmet cook convicted of poisoning her lovers, 'Butter' by Asako Yuzuki is widely considered a powerful and thought‑provoking novel. Translated into English by Polly Barton, this book blends crime fiction with social critique, exploring murder investigation, appetite, loneliness, body image, gender expectations, the meaning of pleasure, the relationship between women, food, and desire. It is unsettling but rewarding, with rich character depth and cultural commentary.
We have Rika Machida a young journalist seeking recognition in her newsroom and Manako Kajii a charismatic cook awaiting trial, who lures men with her food. Rika gains access to Kajii by asking for a recipe, leading to intimate meetings where food becomes a metaphor for power, desire, and trauma. The food descriptions are absolutely mouthwatering. Every meal feels intentional, symbolic, and deeply connected to the characters' emotional lives. But beneath the delicious dishes lies a sharp critique of societal pressures placed on women, especially around appearance, ambition, and desire.
What I loved most was how Butter challenges the idea that women should constantly deny themselves. It asks powerful questions: Who gets to enjoy life? Who gets to take up space? And why are women so often judged for wanting more?
Interesting to read how food can be both nurturing and destructive. Indeed an “incisive, thrilling novel” that exposes misogyny and fatphobia while weaving in rich food imagery. Butter lingers long after the final page. Come for the mystery, stay for the rich commentary on food, feminism, and freedom. Sometimes nourishment is about much more than food. It's about allowing yourself to desire, enjoy, and exist without apology.
#ButterBook #AsakoYuzuki #JapaneseLiterature #LiteraryFiction #FoodAndBooks
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