Butter by Asako Yuzuki

In "Butter," a gripping tale unfolds around Manako Kajii, a gourmet cook imprisoned for the alleged murders of several lonely businessmen, whom she reportedly lured with her exquisite culinary skills. The enigmatic case has captivated the public, yet Kajii remains silent, refusing all media inquiries. That is, until journalist Rika Machida reaches out with a simple request for her beef stew recipe, sparking an unexpected correspondence. Rika, the sole woman in her newsroom, finds herself drawn into Kajii's world, where each visit becomes a lesson in the art of cooking rather than a straightforward investigation. As Rika delves deeper, she begins to question her own life choices and discovers a surprising connection with Kajii. Through their shared passion for food, Rika experiences a personal transformation, challenging her initial perceptions and revealing unexpected parallels between their lives. Set against the backdrop of Japan, "Butter" explores themes of obsession, identity, and the complex dynamics of power and desire, all intertwined with the sensory pleasures of gastronomy.

The 157th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 132

This book was first published in 2024

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