Letters from Tomis

Book Review

Asako Yuzuki’s Butter sets out to explore fascinating themes—true crime, feminism, and the cultural significance of food—but ultimately struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. Inspired by the real-life case of Kanae Kijima, a convicted con artist accused of seducing and defrauding men, the novel follows journalist Rika Machida as she investigates Manako Kajii, a woman accused of similar crimes. However, rather than delivering a compelling crime story or a sharp feminist critique, Butter meanders through excessive introspection and repetitive themes, making for a frustrating read.

Where Butter Falls Flat

1. Slow, Meandering Pacing

While Butter is marketed as a crime novel, it lacks the tension or momentum one might expect from the genre. The investigation into Manako’s alleged crimes often feels secondary, buried under long, indulgent passages about food and Rika’s personal struggles. While these moments are meant to be symbolic, they frequently derail the narrative, making the novel feel aimless.

2. Repetitive and Overstated Themes

The novel attempts to critique societal expectations of women—particularly regarding beauty, ambition, and pleasure—but it does so in an overly repetitive way. The same points are reiterated through different conversations and reflections, slowing the story’s progression. Rather than building a nuanced argument, Butter often feels like it is stating the obvious, making its feminist themes less impactful than they could be.

3. Underdeveloped Mystery and Characters

Despite its true crime inspiration, the novel does little to develop suspense around Manako’s case. Her character remains enigmatic, but not in a way that deepens the reader’s curiosity—rather, she feels underexplored. Rika, as the protagonist, is similarly difficult to connect with. While she undergoes a transformation, her journey is often bogged down by excessive introspection that fails to make her truly compelling.

Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

While Butter had the potential to be a gripping feminist crime novel, it gets lost in its own slow pacing and thematic repetition. The novel’s obsession with food, while atmospherically rich, comes at the expense of plot and character development. Readers looking for a thrilling or tightly structured story may find themselves disappointed by its lack of focus.

For those who enjoy deeply introspective, food-heavy literary fiction, Butter may still hold some appeal. However, for anyone expecting a well-paced crime novel or a sharply crafted feminist critique, this book is more of a slog than a feast.