Butter

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a tantalising blend of psychological thriller and culinary fiction that draws its readers into the intricate world of food, mystery, and the complex dance between two compelling women. Set against the bustling backdrop of Tokyo, the novel follows gourmet cook Manako Kajii, who is sitting in the Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of seducing and murdering lonely businessmen with her delectable cooking. Despite the sensational nature of her crimes, Kajii remains tight-lipped, entertaining no visitors and shunning the press—until a unique request piques her interest.

Journalist Rika Machida, the only woman in her male-dominated newsroom, is desperate to crack Kajii's case. She writes to Kajii, not for a scoop, but for her beef stew recipe. This unexpected query unlocks the door to an unconventional relationship between the two women. As Rika visits Kajii, their conversations evolve into elaborate discussions about food, breaking the walls that separate them. Each visit becomes more than just an interview; it is a culinary masterclass that starts to blur the boundaries between journalist and subject.

Rika, who had previously subsisted on quick and easy meals like ramen, finds herself increasingly drawn into the world of gourmet cooking and the meticulous artistry that Kajii embodies. With each savoury dish she learns to prepare and savour, Rika undergoes an awakening that stirs something deep within her. The more she delves into Kajii's life and culinary skills, the more she begins to question what truly separates them. Are they more alike than Rika initially thought?

Inspired by the real-life case of the "Konkatsu Killer," Butter is a vivid and unsettling narrative that explores themes of misogyny, obsession, and the transgressive pleasures of food in contemporary Japan. Through its rich descriptions and thought-provoking storyline, the novel delves into the darker sides of romance and ambition, painting a complex picture of its characters and their motivations.

This cult Japanese bestseller has captivated the imagination of readers and critics alike:

Pandora Sykes: "Compelling, delightfully weird, often uncomfortable."
Erin Kelly: "Unputdownable, breathtakingly original."
Nigel Slater: "I have been glued to Asako Yuzuki's new novel Butter."
The Times: "A full-fat, Michelin-starred treat."

With its luscious prose and intricate plotting, Butter is a narrative feast that questions norms and takes readers on an unforgettable journey. As Imogen Crimp puts it, "Luscious ... I devoured this." Alice Slater describes it as "A salty morsel with one hell of a bite," while reviews from inews, Guardian, and Observer echo the book's ingenious and unsettling nature. This novel isn’t just meant to be read; it is meant to be savoured.