Sweet Bean Paste
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Sweet Bean Paste Author: Durian Sukegawa Rating: 5 / 5
"People's lives never stay the same colour forever. There are times when the colour of life changes completely."
Sentaro spends his days in a tiny confectionary shop selling Dorayaki. Feeling he's failed in life, drinking too much and giving up his dream to become a writer, he lets the days pass aimlessly. Until an old woman, Tokue, shows up on his shop doorstep with a proposal. She will teach Sentaro how to make the best sweet bean paste for Dorayaki if he will allow her to work there. An unlikely friendship blossoms in this tale of love, loss and loneliness in contemporary Japan.
Parts of this book really resonated with me. Sentaro's pov during times when he was distressed and not in a good place was so hard hitting. And when Tokue understood his situation perfectly without judgement, I teared up. Well, I broke down several times during this book. It explores heavy topics, self-harm, depression and suicide. But these aren't without meaningful commentary.
Its main theme explored feelings everyone experiences at some point, pondering the meaning of life. Too often we're always trying to learn a new skill, adapt, contribute and meet expectations of a high-pressure society that's always seeking out something useful.
But for our own sake it can be good to find stability in our own minds, even if that seems useless to others. We often rarely take the time to stop and reflect. To just breathe. To not be so hard on ourselves. To raise our mental-health meter even if it means a day of just doing 'nothing'.
I loved this story and its memorable characters. The visual imagery and atmosphere. The hopeful message and interesting take on an age old question. I feel this book is important. A sweet and moving read I'd highly recommend.
TW: Suicidal thoughts, self-harm










