Butter

A Novel of Food and Murder

By: Asako Yuzuki

Narrated by: 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.

Interesting look at societal pressure in Japan

Not sure what to make of this book. The first part is a sharp and interesting look at Japanese work culture and gender relations. The second part kind of drifts into a saccharine feel good story reminiscent of the Goonies where a group of misfits crowning achievement is cooking a turkey without getting food poisoning.

Rice with butter and soy is a taste revelation!

This book is worth every minute of your listening, not only about the interesting case in question and the maddening and complex Manako Kaji, but I love the self revelation that Rika explores, and how she becomes a strong and confident woman. Her relationships change and develop deeper meaning for both her and her circle of friends.
The toast she makes at the turkey dinner could have been summed up with “Thsnks to Manako Kaji opening a curiosity in me about food, it has also helped me find all of you!”.

Exquisite and surprisingly satisfying

This was such a fun book to read. Unexpected plot, with twists and turns, Relatable characters.

Slow burn, long story, not what I expected.

This book is about relationships and about food. Its not a thriller murder mystery. I bought it on a recommendation.

Another reviewer mentioned this book is a slow burn, and I find that an accurate description.

I honestly didn't enjoy the book so it took me awhile to finish. There are a couple of oddities in the story narration that probably wouldn't have come across when reading a printed book. I found it difficult to keep track of the character's names - 2 of the main women's names soundes similar to my ears. After I looked up the spelling, it was fine. Also, the topic/conversation would change seemingly mid-chapter. I had to skip back every time this happened because I couldn't follow it as well as other books.

I did enjoy how the author grew to love cooking, as I love cooking too. But, Idon't think I would listen again.

If it was a tv miniseries I would watch, because I bet they'd do a good job with Kajii and rich visuals of locations and food/cooking. Maybe also because the story would be abridged...