A review by boop123
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is no exaggeration but I would die for Tokue and protect her until the ends of the earth. Being extremely biased right now by saying that this is one of my new all-time fave books to read as I loved my grandmother very dearly and Tokue (especially focusing on her life and adversities) reminded me of her. Cried so much reading this (like so much so I couldn’t even keep track anymore) as Tokue’s character really resonated with me. Not to mention, any story revolving around grandmothers just instantly makes me emotional. 

Loved the unexpected bond and friendship between Tokue, Sentaro, and Wakana.
The part in the letter when Tokue said her sister was the only person she knew outside the sanatorium but her sister abandoned her so now she considers Wakana and Sentaro as her family likeee how I could I not have a mental breakdown over that 😭 Also the part where Tokue took it upon herself to voluntarily resign from Doraharu (even though Sentaro should’ve told her to leave ages ago) because she knew in her heart that the reason why their sales were declining was because of her likeeeee FAWK YALL what is wrong with yewwww


The story tackles on unexpected friendships, battling with loneliness, stigma around infectious (but curable) diseases and its misconceptions, what makes life worthwhile, and overcoming obstacles and finding ways to get by. Overall, such a beautiful, touching, poignant, and emotional read. 
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