Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a provocative and thought-provoking novel that delves into the darker side of human desires and societal pressures. The story revolves around a young journalist, Rika, who becomes fascinated with a woman named Kayo, a notorious figure who is suspected of murdering her lovers through food. Kayo, a voluptuous woman with a mysterious aura, turns the media spotlight on the dangers of indulgence and excess, particularly surrounding food and body image. As Rika delves deeper into Kayo's life, she is drawn into a world of indulgence, self-reflection, and the complex relationship between pleasure, guilt, and societal expectations.

Through Yuzuki's sharp and immersive writing, Butter explores themes of appetite—both literal and metaphorical—and how women are judged for their desires in a society that constantly scrutinizes them. The novel questions the thin line between indulgence and control, and how we define femininity, freedom, and power through the prism of food and body image.

Why Butter is a Must-Read

A Unique Exploration of Food and Identity

Butter offers readers an unusual and compelling narrative that intertwines the act of eating with deeper reflections on personal identity, societal norms, and the relationship between indulgence and morality. Yuzuki’s narrative pushes readers to think critically about how we judge ourselves and others based on body image and desire.

A Suspenseful and Psychological Storyline

As Rika becomes entangled in Kayo’s world, the novel skillfully builds suspense, blurring the lines between obsession, admiration, and self-destruction. The psychological depth of the characters adds layers of intrigue, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

Thought-Provoking Commentary on Women's Roles

Through the character of Kayo, Yuzuki examines how women are judged for their choices, particularly around food and their bodies. The novel challenges societal expectations about beauty, pleasure, and self-control, offering a sharp critique of the way women are often punished for indulging in their desires.

Memorable Quotes from Butter

• "To indulge is not a sin. But in the eyes of society, a woman’s appetite for anything is always too much."

Translation (Sinhala): "අත්විදින්න කියන්නේ වරදක් නෙවෙයි. එත් සමාජයේ දෘෂ්ටියෙන් කාන්තාවකගේ උවදුර ඕනෑම දෙයකටම හෙමින් වැඩි වැඩියෙන් බලපානවා."

Translation (Tamil): "அதிகமாக உணர்வு கொள்ளுதல் பாவமல்ல. ஆனால் சமுதாயத்தின் பார்வையில், ஒரு பெண்ணின் ஏதாவது ஆசை எப்போதும் மிகையாகவே இருக்கும்."

• "Food, like love, can nourish or destroy, depending on how you consume it."

• "Women like Kayo were a danger to society, not because of what they did, but because of the desires they refused to hide."

• "What does it mean to enjoy something without shame? Without guilt?"

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Title: Butter
Author: Asako Yuzuki
ISBN: 9780062976328
Publisher: HarperVia
Published Year: 2022
Number of Pages: 352
Binding: Paperback