4.0 out of 5 stars Odd, uncomfortable and bleak story which got me hooked

J.U. · 8 March 2025

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A deliciously intriguing tale about finding satisfaction in life

B. · 4 October 2025

A complex and immersive story well worth a read. I very much enjoyed the journey through Japanese culture and the insights into lonely modern life. Many different levels to unpack, but enjoyed exploring cultural expectations through the contrast of the vilified voluptuous, hedonistic sociopath and the respected, bone-thin workaholic. Maybe you’ll find out what the ‘right amount’ is for you too…

3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read

T.T. · 26 August 2025

This book has been a book group read . It's a book that has been popular amongst twitter book world, and one i was keen to read.Its quire a slow paced book though beautifully descriptive especially with the food throughout the book.Its a read that has had me feeling sad, at times curious at the Japanese culture described . It is so a book that is an unusual read , though i feel that the translation is good.I love that its inspired by a true story , though that also has me feeling uncomfortable as you get to know the killer Manako Kajii , as journalist Rika Machida writes to her asking tor a beef stew recipe and then gets to meet her and is introduced to a new view of food as they talk.The growth of Rika in those book is what i enjoyed most about this book and the behaviour of kajii at the end was such a surprise as i didn't expect her to betray Rika the way she did.Its as interesting read as i expected but a little too slow paced for me!

4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky and Mouth Watering

G.I.T.M. · 14 August 2025

Mouth watering descriptions of food combined with sharp insights into misogyny, fat phobia and loneliness make this an exhilarating read, albeit much better in the first half of the book than the second.I was constantly Googling the references to Japanese culinary delights. I can't wait to try rice with quality butter and soy sauce. The translation is extraordinarily good. An unusual storyline for those who like quirky

5.0 out of 5 stars A study in manipulation, cultural influence and the many signifiers food has on the psyche.

S. · 17 September 2025

A female journalist interviews a female prisoner who is appealing her guilty sentence of serially killing her three husbands/boyfriends who have died circumstantially in her presence. I found the depiction of this thought provoking. The writer demonstrates the effect of people on each other and how easy it is to get caught up in someone else's mind in pursuit of a goal. How cultural and social attitudes are influential. How hidden pain will blind you to the obvious. In my view, it is a clever book and well worth the read. There is an emphasis on what food can signify. I really liked this. I found myself treating butter with greater appreciation. It is like the psychopath influenced the Journalist, unearthing her hidden blind denial and then by the act of reading the reader discovers an hitherto unknown aspect. The presumption of guilt is subtle, almost ambiguous.

2.0 out of 5 stars very well written!

A.C. · 27 July 2025

The writing/translation is entrancing and really draws you in. I’m not much of a foodie, so a lot of the food descriptions were lost on me. The general plot was quite slow and didn’t really excite me. However, the excellent writing meant that I was very rarely bored

3.0 out of 5 stars Marmite?

M.P.H.N. · 17 August 2025

So full of recipes and food it made me feel quite bloated! Like many novels, too long; despite being interesting, intriguing and full of promise in the first half, I grew tired of the themes and for the moment have put it down even though I'm 3/4 through. Will probably pick it up again just to find out the denouement.

4.0 out of 5 stars Descriptive.

C. · 21 September 2025

Such descriptions of the taste of the foods appearing in the book make your mouth water and want to try for yourself. Great characters, a story told with great warmth.

Good Quality

M.K. · 9 December 2024

Thanks for the book

Indulge in Culinary Intrigue!!!

W.C. · 25 April 2024

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

Worth reading

J. · 13 September 2025

Really good read

Thrilling but not in the way you'd expect

A.c. · 28 June 2024

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 👍

Lovely read

F.G. · 26 September 2025

Book is great! regarding Bolo, it arrived fast and in great condition :)