A Review of Butter By Asako Yuzuki

(A spoiler free review)

A rich, delectable way to spend your day, I’m talking about Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki. 

Rika, a rising journalist, begins correspondence with an incarcerated woman, Manako Kajii, who’s accused of murdering a few of her ex-boyfriends*. Initially motivated by professional ambitions, Rika builds this relationship with Kajii in hopes of landing an interview that will allow her to move up the ranks at her magazine and finally get her the recognition she believes she always deserved. But very quickly those ambitions become derailed by her devotion to the alleged killer.

Manko Kajii is boisterous, passionate about food, and isn’t afraid to lambast anyone she perceives has slighted her. Her charisma coupled with the constant media attention transforms her into somewhat of a mythical figure, allowing her to cultivate a cohort of young, ardent supporters, including Rika herself. Kajii shares with her new disciple the philosophies she abides by, send…