Book Review: Butter by Asako Yuzuki

About the book

The cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story, and translated by Polly Barton. 

"There are two things that I can simply not tolerate: feminists and margarine."

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, who she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking.

The case has captured the nation’s imagination but Kajii refuses to speak with the press. That is, until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew and Kajii can’t resist writing back. Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen.

As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a masterclass in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii but it seems that she might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body.

Might she and Kaji have more in common than she once thought?

Inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, 'The Konkatsu Killer', Asako Yuzuki’s Butter is a vivid, gripping exploration of misogyny, obsession and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.

Why we love it

If this book doesn't have you reaching for a slice of hot toast slathered in butter at least once whilst reading, well then I can only say that you have a lot more willpower than me.

The story follows journalist Rika Machida as she attempts to write an article about accused serial killer Manako Kajii. Manako has scandalised society by allegedly enticing wealthy businessmen with her sumptuous food, only to take their money and have them to die in suspicious circumstances.

With breathtakingly sensual descriptions of food combined with an underlying tension, Asako Yuzuki has written a smart and provocative novel that's has rightly become an instant cult classic.

Butter cleverly examines the misogyny and double-standards that exist towards women in the modern world both at home and in the workplace, particularly around body image and gender roles.

As the boyfriend of lead character Rika Machida bluntly puts it, "Men putting on weight is different from women putting on weight.”

Early in the book it's made clear that Manako's crimes are regarding as shocking not just because of her actions, but because she’s over-weight; as though her obvious enjoyment of food makes her all the more dastardly. 

And as Rika's own weight increases along with her newfound enjoyment of food and cooking, she also faces criticism and harsh comments from those around her.

The book skilfully explores the ways in which appetite and trauma can be deeply connected, warping the ability to instinctively understand what constitutes a "good amount" in both cooking and life - neither too little, nor too much. As the book progresses, Rika comes to realise that she too must find that balance within herself.

Unusual and unsettling, Butter is a riveting commentary on the complexities of our relationship with food in the modern world and on the differing standards to which men and women are held - a book to savour and enjoy!