Firstly, this book made me hungry for a lot of buttery food. The descriptive paragraphs were meant to tease and make you salivate, getting you to crave food, while also dropping subtle reminders that you should be eating for yourself and what your body needs.

I originally went into this thinking it would be more of a focus on Kaiji and her alleged victims, but instead I was introduced into an incredibly written, thought-provoking book surrounding food and expectations towards women in Japan. It also stressed the importance of human connections and how eating food can bring joy and comfort.

It's definitely a book that isn't for everyone, since it doesn't feel like it's marketed into the correct genres. However, it is a profound literacy piece and definitely worth a read.

3.5 stars. When I first picked up Butter by Asako Yuzuki, I expected a sharp, fast-paced thriller something suspenseful and maybe even sinister, especially with a premise involving a woman accused of seducing and murdering men through the power of her cooking. It sounded like the perfect recipe for a dark, addictive mystery.

What I got instead was a much slower, more reflective novel less thriller, more feminist literary fiction. Once I adjusted my expectations, I found a rich, layered exploration of appetite, womanhood, shame, and control. It wasn’t the page-turner I was hoping for, but it was thought-provoking, often painfully honest, and quietly powerful.

One thing that completely enchanted me: the food. Every dish described felt vivid, sensual, and deeply symbolic. I found myself practically drooling over the pages I wanted to try everything.

Still, the plot meanders a bit, and if you’re hoping for twists or a satisfying crime arc, you may be left wanting. But if you’re open to a slower burn with social commentary and a surprising emotional depth Butter has its rewards.

Not what I expected, but I don’t regret the read. Just don’t go into it hungry.