An unexpected delight

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 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 tried before. Such is the power of Butter. What a joyous, thought-proking, inspiring novel this turned out to be!

Journalist Rika Machida becomes fascinated by gourmet cook/serial killer Manako Kajii because she is confident and breaks all the stereotypes. She carries a bit of weight, something Japanese culture frowns upon, and is happy to share her wisdom under the right circumstances. Rika is amazed when she is granted an audience with this fearsome woman, a visit which changes the course of her life.

Butter is more than just a foodie's dream, it goes far beyond by exploring ideas and expectations of ourselves, friends and people of the opposite sex. Just when you as the reader feel you know where this novel is headed, it splinters off in an unexpected direction sprinkling sage knowledge as it travels along. Completely surprising, maybe even strange, at times, Butter, Rika and Kajii ever so gently tips the world on its axis delighting as the story grows richer with each chapter.