‘Although Tokue’s past is a reflection of a dark chapter of Japanese history, her wisdom, patience, and kindness shape this touching and occasionally wistful novel. Readers in search of gently illuminating fare – e.g., Shion Miura's The Great Passage, Jeff Talarigo's The Pearl Diver – will appreciate this toothsome treat.’

‘Sukegawa – enabled by Watts's lucid translation – tells an endearing, thoughtful tale about relationships and the everyday meaning of life. ‘A beautifully rendered tale of outsiders coming together.’

‘A polished piece of work, and a decent, touching read.’ ‘Enthralling.This is that rare book that leaves readers truly humbled, reminding us of everything we should be thankful for, and that it is never too late to do something with our lives.’ A book with deceptive heft and lingering resonance.’ It is an original twist on the “odd couple” genre, in which two unlikely companions find they have much to offer each other, and retains much of the humour that genre entails. Sukegawa’s writing style, delicately translated by Alison Watts, is well-matched to the subject matter: a slow, muted movement that gently guides the reader, while leaving the unnecessary unsaid. ‘Sweet Bean Paste is a subtle, moving exploration of redemption in an unforgiving society. Denis Thériault, author of The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman ‘As wise as it is moving, Sukegawa’s novel beguiles and seduces the reader from evocative opening to compassionate close.’ A tale of sorrow that feels uplifting by its end.’ ‘Charmingly written, the plot is a continual surprise. Cecelia Ahern, author of PS, I Love You Translated into English for the first time, Durian Sukegawa’s beautiful prose is capturing hearts all over the world. Sweet Bean Paste is a moving novel about the burden of the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

She begins to teach him her craft, but as their friendship flourishes, social pressures become impossible to escape and Tokue’s dark secret is revealed, Tokue makes the best sweet bean paste Sentaro has ever tasted. Into his life comes Tokue, an elderly woman with disfigured hands and a troubled past. With only the blossoming of the cherry trees to mark the passing of time, he spends his days in a tiny confectionery shop selling dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste. He has a criminal record, drinks too much, and his dream of becoming a writer is just a distant memory. I Love YouĪ charming tale of friendship, love and loneliness in contemporary Japan 'I'm in story heaven with this book.' Cecelia Ahern, author of P.S.

Sweet bean paste book review