Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated from the Japanese by Polly Barton (Novels of 2024)

 

In this suspenseful novel based on real events, journalist Rika becomes captivated by the case of Manako Kajii, a sometimes sex worker convicted of murdering multiple men. Reportedly, Kajii lured these men using her culinary skills—actions that sparked both bewilderment and scorn within Japanese society, which harshly judges Kajii's "large" body. Rika interviews the cunning Kajii in tense prison sessions, where their interactions evolve into a complex game of cat and mouse. As Rika becomes more entangled in the case, her relationships with her boyfriend, her coworkers, and even her own self-image start to shift. The narrative skillfully blends celebrations of culinary delights with critiques of Japanese societal expectations of women, noting, “Rika thought, the Kajii case was tinged by misogyny and the excessive self-pity felt by lonely men.”

"Butter" is a methodically paced novel that revels in its elaborate prose and deep conversations between characters. Its density makes it a slow read, compelling me to thoroughly immerse myself in the narrative and gradually form opinions about the characters' development.

The story, inspired by true events (The Konkatsu Killer), follows journalist Rika who seeks a career-defining interview with the elusive Manako Kajii, a gourmet chef convicted of murdering several affluent older men. With Kajii's retrial approaching, Rika sees this interview as a golden opportunity. Initially rebuffed, she gains access by offering to exchange one of Kajii's recipes.

As Rika delves into Kajii's enigmatic world, she strives to unravel her motives, even attempting to forge a friendship. This exploration leads Rika into a whirlwind of unsettling and intriguing activities that challenge traditional Japanese gender expectations. Surprisingly, Rika begins to undergo a transformation, reevaluating her own life's "just right" amounts in terms of food, love, and personal aspirations. Despite its deliberate pacing, "Butter" captivates with its plot twists, particularly when Rika's best friend intervenes to help solve the case, escalating the drama and tension.

The novel is peppered with luscious food descriptions so vivid that they had me reaching for snacks as I read. Author Asako boldly critiques societal views on women, with a raw and relentless honesty about the pressures Japanese women face to adhere to societal beauty standards. One early passage highlights the public's horror not at Kajii's alleged crimes, but at her being "fat" at 70kg, suggesting disbelief that she could be loved by the men she claimed to have charmed. Rika's personal struggle with her body image, intensified by her newfound joy in eating flavorful food, is a recurring theme, with her boyfriend and acquaintances occasionally making cruel comments about her changing physique.

Asako's primary message seems to be the empowerment of women to prioritize themselves. The novel depicts societal expectations that women sacrifice their time and bodies for others, and through "Butter," Rika learns to reject these demands, redefining her worth and forging her own path outside of these confines. This journey towards self-liberation is challenging but portrayed as a deeply rewarding assertion of independence.