Bookseller Reviews
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Dark and delicious
This rather gorgeous proof (many thanks @harperinsider )has been waiting for me for a while, slightly intimidating me with its hefty blockiness, but once I... READ MORE
Delicious
Aasako Yuzuki's novel is based on the real-life events surrounding the 'Konkatsu Killer', the case of Kanae Kijima who was found guilty and sentenced to de... READ MORE
An absolute SERVE!
What's a better combination than food and female serial killer? Food & female serial killer being told in the most beautiful and lyrical prose that I've ev... READ MORE
Do not read on an empty stomach!
Butter is a contemporary novel that comments on misogyny, food and diet culture within Japanese society. It is served with a side of crime sub-genre, a fem... READ MORE
To Be Savoured
This book caught my eye even before publication, and I was eager to grab a copy.
(In my haste nearly grabbing it out of my colleagues hands in fact... Sor... READ MORE
Butter
A compelling crime thriller that critiques the institutional misogyny that permeates work/ home life.
I recommend to anyone who devours Japanese translation or wants a taste of darkness but not a whole bite.
Butter by Asako Yusuki
A fascinating forensic character study and commentary of Japanese culture.
Butter is an absorbing novel which highlights the s... READ MORE
A fascinating character study
This book absolutely fascinated me before I even read it. The striking cover really stood out when I first spotted it at work and it was so interesting wat... READ MORE
More than meets the eye!
This novel was so much more than I expected it to be. We follow a journalist investigating a woman convicted of killing lonely businessmen. They form a str... READ MORE
Butter
I've read a lot of negative reviews for this book, which I think is down to marketing: Butter is packaged as a thriller, when it isn't, so I understand the... READ MORE
When is a crime novel not a crime novel?
One of the surprise successes of the year, this book is worth every bit of praise. Based on the famous Japanese criminal case of the “Konkatsu” Killer, thi... READ MORE
A delicious and decadent read
I really enjoyed this one. The only reason why I knocked a star off was because on the ending. Overall, felt that the book is not quite a fast paced thril... READ MORE
A slow burn dissection into the mind of a serial-killer
A slow burn dissection into the mind of a serial-killer, this novel is a great insight into how diet culture is so closely intertwined with sexism that aff... READ MORE
A delicious read!
Butter is more of a character study than a crime novel, it is not really about solving a crime at all. The pace is very slow, and at over 400 pages it took... READ MORE
Interesting themes and concept
Personally I didn't get on with this book I listened to the audiobook but if I was reading a physical copy I don't think I would've finished it. I think th... READ MORE
A New Cult Classic
Based on true events back in Japan, 2012 - the ‘Konkatsu Killer' Kanae Kijima - we follow the story of Rika Machida, the sole female journalist in her offi... READ MORE
A propulsive crime thriller based on the real life 'Konkatsu Killer', Butter interrogates the relationship—by turns erotic, mischievous and disturbing—between a convicted gourmet cook (with a particular penchant for buttered rice) and a journalist seduced one bite at a time.
Synopsis
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 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, 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 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, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.
Publisher information
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- ISBN: 9780008511685
- Number of pages: 464
- Dimensions: 216 x 135 x 40 mm
- Weight: 440g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allAn interesting and entertaining read.
Butter is the first novel, of several award-winners by Japanese author, Asako Yuzuki to be translated into English by Polly Barton. After many frustratingl... READ MORE
You butter believe it
I deeply enjoyed this for its exploration of food, friendship, and the unreal standards women in Japan have to navigate at every stage of their lives. Rika... READ MORE
Don't listen to the hype because if you, you'll be disappointed...
Thank you Fourth Estate and NetGalley for the early review copy ahead of its publication on February 29th in return for a fair and honest review.
Butter... READ MORE
Highly recommended
Dark, original, fascinating. A book that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me reading. A twisty and surprising plot, well rounded characters, plensy of surpris... READ MORE
A story of food and death
Manako Kajii is a convicted serial killer. She’d seduced three men by cooking them gourmet food and then killed them off, one by one. Or did she? There is ... READ MORE
Will leave you hungry
When journalist Rika pursues accused serial killer Manako Kajii for an exclusive interview, her life changes. Rika’s determination to not only catapult her... READ MORE
Fantastic
I really enjoy reading Japanese fiction (translated of course) and I was intrigued when I read the blurb for Butter. Particularly that is it was inspired b... READ MORE
Facinating read
I found this book an absolutely fascinating look at Japanese culture in relation to women and food. Through the exploration of the recipes and restaurants ... READ MORE
Really different but captivating story
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline, the setting, all so different.
At first, it seemed like a strange title for a book that isn’t a cookbook - ... READ MORE
So bad it was funny
I was definitely hoodwinked by the funky cover and intriguing concept. But the book was probably 200 pages too long, packed full of pointless filler and ji... READ MORE
Deliciously Twisted
Based on true story of the ‘Konkatsu Killer’, Butter is not the high octane thrill ride one might expect - it’s far more physiological.
We follow Rika,... READ MORE
The most boring thing I have ever read, with a disturbingly erotic description of butter on what feels like every other page
I was intrigued by the front cover, and the focus on Japanese culture before reading this book. I was drawn in by the award given to it by Waterstones; and... READ MORE
Not as Good as I had hoped
I wanted to like this more than I did. The story of how journalist, Rika Machida gets interview privileges with the notorious Manako Kajii, a woman impriso... READ MORE
Buttery richness in so many ways
Book Review - no spoilers
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
Manako Kaji, a gourmet cook, is on trial for the murder of three men she "dated" before they died un... READ MORE
Wasn’t impressed
I honestly wasn’t impressed by this book. I just came back from reading abroad in Japan, and this was rather more than disappointing. I’m sure other people... READ MORE
A must-read for fans of Japan and cooking
"Butter" by Asako Yuzuki is a fascinating read. Translated into English from Japanese, I think the translator did a good job. If you like food and crime ... READ MORE
Plenty of butter
Plenty of butter and descriptions of food and how food makes you feel - a journalist investigates the case of a female serial killer, accused of taking adv... READ MORE
Incredible
Loved this book. Took so many turns that I didn't expect. Loved the way it explored and exposed modern day misogyny. But most of all, I loved the journey t... READ MORE
Fantastic read, not what I expected
This is not my usual type of read. In fact, I would have never picked it up had it not been for a recommendation from one of the team in the Chesterfield s... READ MORE
Really good
Really interesting story as well as an interesting insight into Japanese culture and beauty norms. Covers lots of different themes - really enjoyed!
Sated
“There are two things that I simply cannot tolerate: feminists and margarine.”
I devoured Butter, (and not just literally) it took me some time to finis... READ MORE
Trying to hard to be deep
The entire novel is written in a way that seems superficial. I’d like to believe lost in translation but the long long chapters are tiresome and extreme at... READ MORE
Load of Rubbish
Tell you what…was excited to read this book. What could be better eh. Absolute load of rubbish. Was so bored. So repetitive. Would not recommend. Probably ... READ MORE
Not worth the hype
I really tried reading this and getting into it but sadly the negative reviews are true! First few hundred pages are just absolute filler and nonsense conv... READ MORE
Decidedly different
LOST IN TRANSLATION?
Gourmet cook Manako Kajii is in a Tokyo detention centre, accused and convicted of murdering three lovers and extorting money from... READ MORE
I think my cholesterol will need checking after this!
My sole experience of Japanese literary fiction is Yoko Ogawa’s “The Memory Police” (2019), admittedly a good one as I rated it five stars. I thought that... READ MORE
Wonderful study of crime, gender, obsession in modern Japan
Beautifully written (and translated) study of essentially what it means to be a woman in modern Japan. I found Butter to be a captivating, well paced novel... READ MORE
Social commentary and self-discovery with food as a vehicle
Butter follows a journalist, Rika, and the unusual dynamic that develops between her and Manako who has been convicted of seducing and causing the death of... READ MORE
Disappointing
Clearly a solid writer but there just isn’t enough story here to justify the page count
Disappointed
Was expecting something special from a Waterstones book of the year sadly I was disappointed a waste of money and time
Overhyped
I spent £14.99 on this totally unremarkable book. Reading the reviews I was so looking forward to an enjoyable experience. I was disappointed, it is a cu... READ MORE
Would give Zero stars !
Absolute drivel. Potentially decent story line that falls completely flat. Repetitive. Dreadfully slow.
The author appears to have used the bones of a sto... READ MORE
Butter
An interesting book but unless you like reading about dietary habits, cooking classes and recipes there is not much plot.
The best book I’ve read this year.
What starts off as an attempt to interview a woman accused of murdering her lovers, reveals an in depth
analysis of people’s relationships with each oth... READ MORE
Utterly Superb !
Absolutely absorbed in this fantastic book and read it during the early hours and dawn chorus ! Must be bought and read by everyone.
Thank you lots Waters... READ MORE
A bit boring
This novel has a lot of interesting elements- but it repeats itself a lot and has very littLe plot so it is essentially a 500 page discussion on the plight... READ MORE
Feminism that questions rather than preaches, & a quirky plot
In 'Butter,' we mostly follow the perspective of a young-ish Japanese woman who is an aspiring journalist. She doesn't have a fulfilling romantic relations... READ MORE
too long
This is a story based on a real-life serial killer in Japan. I have to say that the translation is really good and very immersive! However, the story in it... READ MORE
some interesting themes
I was looking forward to reading this book, I've enjoyed visiting Japan in the past, experiencing a difficult culture, and really loved the food! There wer... READ MORE
Loooong
Manako Kajii is being held in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the murders of multiple lonely men, who she allegedly seduced with her delicious home coo... READ MORE
A delightful insight into Japanese culture, murder and food
I can promise you one, possibly two, things about this novel – it will make you hungry and may very well inspire you to prepare and eat food in a way never... READ MORE
Delectable
Butter had a vociferous appetite and provided the goods to satisfy any reader craving a complex culinary delight of a book.
This is such a stunning boo... READ MORE
Just like butter.
Just like butter this book is delicious and addictive!!! I loved every second of reading. Such a unique illustration of the patricarchy and internalised my... READ MORE
Terrible read
4/10 maximum
Poor plot and character development.
Unbelievable.
No real saving grace. Very disjointed.
'She recalled that milk came from blood'
This book had my eyes and mouth watering.
Verified Purchase
Too long for a story with no plot
I could not finish it. The setting is there, as well as the characters and the idea but there is no story, no plot and the book goes over and over again in... READ MORE
How can this be a best seller
Very drawn out could have been a lot better an interesting topic but so boring
Disappointed
Very slow dragged out good idea but could have been a lot better
Interesting
I was sent a copy of Butter by Asako Yuzuki to red and review by NetGalley. At first I thought I would despair of yet another book that seemed to be on th... READ MORE
Not sure I fully got it, but enjoyed it still
It's like a female Japanese Silence of the Lambs
Another Review to Butter You Up
I went into this assuming it would be gritty and violent, something along the lines of Earthlings by Sayaka Murata, or maybe even something along the lines... READ MORE
Unexpected But Delightful
I came into this expecting a Thriller or some Dark and gritty Japanese crime drama, instead I got a fascinating insight into Japanese food, the relationshi... READ MORE
Beautiful
I loved this book so much that when I accidentally left my copy at my partners house, I went out and bought another to keep at home while I read it. It's t... READ MORE
Delectable from Start to Finish
This is delectable from start to finish. Part mystery thriller, part feminist manifesto, part food blog, this brilliant book is difficult to categorise and... READ MORE
Truly amazing
Not normally a fiction girly but I honestly couldn't put this down. Yet to find anything that compares!
Novel set in TOKYO
Butter, by Asako Yuzuki (and translated by Polly Barton), is a novel set in the greater Tokyo region of Japan. The book is easy to spot on the bookshelf, b... READ MORE
Not for me
This was chosen as the book for March’s book club at my local Waterstones book club.
Gourmet cook Manoko Kajii is in Tokyo detention centre accused of t... READ MORE
Rich
This was great.
With serial killer of men, food-blogger Manako Kajii, awaiting her appeal against the conviction to be heard in court, Rika - the sole f... READ MORE
Loved it
What a great read, knew it was going to be good; but didn’t want it to end, yet couldn’t not put it down!
Absorbing and Atmospheric
Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a psychological crime thriller inspired by a real-life crime in Japan. This was the first book I’ve read by a Japanese author, an... READ MORE
Meandering
I picked up Butter as it has been violently pushed for months and I love a good translated fiction. It had so many good reviews, it was always book of the ... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
a story about food and the relationship it can bring
The story starts off with Rika Machida, who is a highly respected journalist, with a weekly magazine, lives alone and in her apartment she doesn’t even own... READ MORE
Butter Made Me Hungry and Existential
Okay, so I picked up Butter thinking, “cool, femme fatale poisoner vibes, let’s gooo,” but holy hell—this book slapped me harder than I expected. Manako Ka... READ MORE
Boring
What a boring story. I started reading this book just after Xmas 2025 and still not half way through, I had to push myself to read it. The story is absolu... READ MORE
Wow.
This book became my personality for 2 weeks after I finished it (which was in less than a week, which never happens)
Too long and rather dull
The opening premise of the novel is interesting, and there are unusual insights into Japanese life and culture. However, the characters are rather 2 dimens... READ MORE
Slow prose, tells not shows and boring
I bought this book for the story and reviews, I gave up because of the way it is written. It breaks the basic rule of ‘show not tell’ preferring to use a s... READ MORE
Not sure about they hype
Unfortunately this book did not resonate with me like it did for others, which is a shame as the concept was so intriguing!
Less ‘serial killer’ more death by boredom
I really wanted to love this book but I had to give up 100 pages in. I anticipated a thriller-style book about a charismatic female serial killer. Instead ... READ MORE
butter
original story kept me reading but you can tell its a translation
Verified Purchase
Delicious
Fabulous book which was a great recommendation from a friend! Captivating story, well written, engaging and I can’t wait to read her next novel. Highly rec... READ MORE