A review by livelyghost
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A sweet community builder kind of story that reminded me of Arsenic and Adobo and Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Science tells us that scent is inextricably tied to memory, so it makes sense that people seek out the Kamogawa Diner not just for its traditional and thoughtful meals, but for its detective service that helps them recreate their most cherished food memories. While some parts are repetitive (every diner is confounded by the advertisement that’s lead them there and walks down the same described hallway) it was an interesting exercise in character study. Who would notice what? How would they describe it? How are they going to react to the local cat?

With intricate details of beautiful-sounding food this book made my mouth water. I enjoyed “eating” the recreated meals with the diners as they were told about the journey and interviews that helped the shop owner, Nagare, make it exactly. Most importantly, I want to believe in a place like this - a tiny part of the world that operates with love and without pride to help give people a part of their most beloved people back. Sweet, sentimental, and full of local pride, this book sang.