Sweet Bean Paste: Book review


Title: Sweet Bean Paste
Author: Durian Sukegawa
Genre: Translation (Japanese)

Reading World literature can be an eye opener in many ways. I've been reading Japanese literature lately. Its amazing how certain themes are weaved in these simple yet powerful stories. 

. Sweet Bean Paste is the  story of 2 unlikely individuals who form a beautiful bond of friendship under the most unexpected circumstances. Senato has a criminal record and once harboured dreams of becoming a writer. He now runs a  confectionary shop making dorayaki and sweet bean paste. One fine day he is approached by an old woman named Tokue who makes the best sweet bean paste. She also has a disturbed past and has overcome a certain disease. When her secret is revealed, it results in some devastating consequences. The story goes on to showcase the power of friendship and finding meaning in life.


 While friendship forms the main premise here, the book also touches upon food, life, suffering interspersed with philosophy. The characters of Senato and Tokue entice the readers into their world, evoking a lot of sympathy.  In her evocative writing style, the author addresses the stigma and fear associated with Leprosy. It captures the insurmountable grief and pain by those who have suffered from this disease. This story also teaches you to look beyond the realm of reality and find your meaning of existence in this universe. It emphasizes the importance of listening which eventually helps you embrace life even when the world is cruel to you.

Sweet bean paste is emotional,  insightful and tugs the heartstrings. It's one such book that will leave a sweet taste lingering in the minds of the readers

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