Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by bookwormexpresskwan
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
5.0
A deeply moving story about the meaning of life, coming into this world, and simply existing. I’m crying so hard right now, that I can’t see my keyboard, so excuse me for leaving this sloppy review for such a perfect book.
I was shocked and sad to find out about the Leprosy Prevention Laws in Japan and what those entailed. So many lives and dreams lost. But the author did an excellent job in Tokue’s spirits by not focusing on nor denying the tragics, instead seeing beauty and purpose on being human in this world.
The writing was simply beautiful. The way they described the voices of the beans in the process of making sweet bean paste? So perfect, I could almost hear them whisper. The vivid descriptions of how adding salt changed the sweetness made my mouth water. At the same time the friendship between Tokue and Sentaro grew over time without needing much words, them bonding over perfecting the sweet bean paste recipe was enough to show how two lonely people find solace in each other’s company. This novel was so, so wonderfully crafted. Subtle yet powerful in delivering the message.
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book, loved the beautiful, deep meaning and the outstanding execution. Simply perfect.
I was shocked and sad to find out about the Leprosy Prevention Laws in Japan and what those entailed. So many lives and dreams lost. But the author did an excellent job in Tokue’s spirits by not focusing on nor denying the tragics, instead seeing beauty and purpose on being human in this world.
The writing was simply beautiful. The way they described the voices of the beans in the process of making sweet bean paste? So perfect, I could almost hear them whisper. The vivid descriptions of how adding salt changed the sweetness made my mouth water. At the same time the friendship between Tokue and Sentaro grew over time without needing much words, them bonding over perfecting the sweet bean paste recipe was enough to show how two lonely people find solace in each other’s company. This novel was so, so wonderfully crafted. Subtle yet powerful in delivering the message.
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book, loved the beautiful, deep meaning and the outstanding execution. Simply perfect.