Butter

A Novel of Food and Murder

De: Asako Yuzuki

Narrado por: Hanako Footman

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

There are two things that I simply cannot tolerate: feminists and margarine.

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in the Tokyo Detention House convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, whom 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, entertaining no visitors. 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 master class in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii, but it seems that Rika might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body. Do she and Kajii have more in common than she once thought?

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

The narrators voice

Sublime. I want to listen to every audiobook read by this narrator. Also genuinely one of the most satisfying books to listen to.

I love a good complex story

I love a story where the characters are complex and not flat. The development the tone the style of writing. I loved all of it. Espically if you wanted a story you couldn’t expect what would happen

The feminist insight is powerful and compelling.

A deeply human insight into the corners of our soul as well as the Japanese (or any other) society.

Easy listening Story

Well written interesting story. Received pronunciation of reader was a little much at first but that became quite mellow and pleasant to listen to after a while.
Simple murder mystery that doesn’t really reach resolution but doesn’t need to, as most of the narrative revolves around food it’s enjoyment and Japanese discourse around body weight, body image and women

Wonderful and Unusual Book!

The plot, descriptions, power of girlfriends, food as soul nurturing, and awareness of the body shaming of women and girls were all so well crafted! Such an unusual and wonderful book! Loved it!