The book cover is the colour of butter and just for good measure there's a cow there too. I was partly drawn to this novel by Asako Yuzuki because it is Japanese and I know so little about Japan. However, I had previously read three novels in translation by Haruki Murakami which I very much enjoyed.
At the core of this work of fiction is a seed pod from reality - the strange case of Kanae Kijima, the Konkatsu Killer who was sentenced to death in 2010 for the killing of at least four men. By the way, she still languishes in a Tokyo jail as appeals follow appeals. There is little hard evidence to condemn her but a lot of intelligent supposition.
The main protagonist in "Butter" is Rika Machita, a young journalist on a Tokyo lifestyle and news magazine. She manages to get an interview with Manako Kajii - the man killer - and this interest becomes increasingly obsessive.
Asako Yuzuki
Kajii had prepared fine meals for her alleged victims and food starts to play a much bigger part in Rika's life than it had ever done before. For example, she discovers how delightful good quality butter can prove to be in a range of recipes - including a simple bowl of rice.
I reached the last page (page 452) out in our sunny garden just this afternoon. Shirley asked me if I had enjoyed it and I said that "enjoyed" would not be the right word. I had appreciated it and it was good to spend time in Japanese culture with the author. Really, it was a pretty weird story and at times the references to Japanese foodstuffs was confusing. There were no footnotes to explain.
Finally, a big shout out to Polly Barton who translated "Butter" from Japanese into English. A good translator does much more than telling us what the words mean. He or she is also a creator, honing what is literal into something with shape and body and oodles of butter...
Polly Barton
I love butter, the product not the book, but in winter it is so hard to spread and often too hard to easily mix with other cake ingredients. I recently bought a "Spreadable Butter" to try and it does spread but the taste isn't anywhere near as good as the real thing. I don't think I would like to read this book.
ReplyDeleteWe buy a nice spreadable butter from our local "LIDL" store. Do you have "LIDL" in South Australia?
Deletefancy barnet on that noggin, haven't they?
ReplyDeleteYou mean Polly Barton? That's how translators look Foxy and that is why there's no point in you applying for translators' jobs!
DeleteYes, a translator can make all the difference for the reader. I have come across some very good, some average and some translations where I thought that even I could have done a better job. One of the main rules for any translator must be "Do not just translate word for word, but get the message/context/spirit of what you have to translate." A good translator does a huge amount of research, all of course in the original language of the text that is to be translated.
ReplyDeleteAs for the book itself, thank you for the review. I'll pass.
Good translators rarely get the credit they deserve.
DeleteMeike, yes, translating a book faithfully is the devil's own job if you want to get the original writer's nuances right.
DeleteI am a little surprised at YP's commentators so far. The story line doesn't appeal to them. Well, folks, that's real life for you. Think black widow [the spider]. Shit happens. As to the journalist's fascination with the story, Jody Foster's character in Hannibal Lecter springs to mind. Another, even stranger example Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood". If you get the chance to watch the film with Philip Seymour Hoffman please do. A truly outstanding performance by an actor who let himself go too early. He got Capote down to a T. Capote, the writer, doesn't come out of it smelling of roses; in fact, some might say he exploited his subject. I'd say he gave us a glimpse into what may drive a human being, sometimes with little intent, even less thought as to long term consequences.
So, yes, YP, what's not to like about a book that includes food. Soon your grand daughters will learn about Eve (apple); you'll read them Snow White (another apple); plenty of illustrations in fairy tale books feature the oh so enticing mushroom red with white dots. You name it. Whatever you do, YP, go easy on selling them the prince.
U
Butter makes anything good so im unsurprised its been made into a book
ReplyDeleteErr... the book is not literally made from butter Kylie!
DeleteHmm, I wasn't aware of Dolly Parton's talent as a translator of Japanese.
ReplyDeletePolly Barton is not cockney rhyming slang!
DeleteNo, I can't see that I'd read it.
ReplyDeleteCan't see the book? Maybe you need stronger glasses Carol!
DeleteI'm waiting for a healthier version ... Margarine.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer "Peanut Butter" - maybe Jimmy Carter's biography.
DeleteI've only ever read one book by a Japanese author. I should read more.
ReplyDeleteTry Murakami but you might like "Butter" more than I did Debra.
DeleteWell I probably won't read the book but Japanese culture is very interesting. Even more now after having grasped Western culture they are beginning to find life more difficult. Low birth rates and loneliness are features now.
ReplyDeleteLow birth rates and loneliness certainly do figure in "Butter" Thelma.
DeletePolly looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
ReplyDeleteHa-ha! You wag!
DeleteI've heard mixed things about this book. Did you ever read "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto? It's about 30 years old now but I loved it when I read it long ago. It conveyed Japanese culture and sensibilities really effectively, I thought.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of that Steve. The book is now lodged in my brain library - in the "to read" section.
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