Let's discuss "Butter" by asako yuzuki

What happens when comfort, loneliness, desire, and food all become tangled together?
This month, we’re reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki, the internationally acclaimed Japanese novel inspired by a real criminal case that explores obsession, femininity, relationships, and the role food plays in our emotional lives.

At the center of the story is gourmet cook Manako Kajii, a woman accused of seducing and murdering lonely men through her cooking. Journalist Rika Machida becomes fascinated by Kajii while interviewing her in prison, slowly finding her own life transformed through their conversations about food, independence, beauty standards, and what society expects from women.

Together, we’ll explore the book’s rich themes: loneliness, misogyny, pleasure, self-worth, ambition, intimacy, and the quiet ways people search for meaning and connection.

We’ll gather again at the Central Library Rotterdam to unpack the novel, share perspectives, and decide together what we’ll read next.

📅 When: Sunday, 5th July 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Central Library Rotterdam
👥 Who: Anyone who has read the book and wants to discuss it with curious, open-minded readers

About the Book

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a literary novel that blends psychological tension, social commentary, and vivid food writing into a deeply reflective story about modern life and identity. Both unsettling and comforting, it raises questions about hunger — not only for food, but for validation, freedom, love, and belonging.

If you enjoy thoughtful contemporary fiction, layered characters, and books that spark meaningful conversation, this discussion is for you. Come share your thoughts, interpretations, and favorite moments over coffee and conversation. 🌿📚