Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder | Los Angeles Public Library
Source: https://www.lapl.org/books-emedia/lapl-reads/review/butter-novel-food-and-murder
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder | Los Angeles Public Library
Jump to Navigation
Jump to Content
View it in Our Catalog
皆さんは、柚木麻子さんの小説 (Butter) をもうお読みになりましたか?
この作品は、2009 年に日本で実際に起きた「首都圏連続婚活殺人事件」をモチーフにしたフィクションです。この物語は、単なる犯罪ミステリーではありません。物語の中心となるのは、複数の男性を毒殺した容疑で収監されている女性・梶井真奈子(カジマナ)と、彼女に取材を重ねる週刊誌記者・町田里佳です. 事件の真相を追うだけだったはずの里佳は、カジマナとの対話を通じて、自分の周りの人たちを巻き込みながら、自分自身の内面と向き合わざるを得なくなっていきます.
物語は、「女性は美しいほうがいい」「女性は若いほうがいい」「女性は痩せていたほうがいい」「女性は家庭的なほうがいい」といった、日本に根強く残る社会の固定観念や偏見を、読む者に鋭く問いかけてきます。それと同時に、数々の料理が、物語の重要なポイントとして登場する点も、大きな魅力です. 作品内に登場する数々のレシピや食事の場面は、読者の五感に訴えかけてきます。ただ読むだけでなく、その料理を味わわずにはいられないような描写に満ちているのです.
実際、私自身も物語の中に登場する「バター醤油ご飯」が気になってしまい、気が付けば台所に立っていました. 本を読みながら、その中に出てくる料理を作り味わうという体験は、まさに本の世界と現実をつなぐというすばらしい体験でした. (Butter)は、「食べること」、「生きること」、「女性であること」の意味を問い直すような、深い読後感を残してくれます.
この作品は、2017 年に日本で刊行されたのち、2024 年にはイギリスとアメリカで英訳版が出版され、大きな反響を呼びました. イギリスでは (Waterstones Book of the Year 2024) に選ばれ、2025 年5月には (The British Book Awards 2025) デビュー・フィクション部門も受賞しています.
柚木麻子 / Butter
Yuzuki, Asako
View in Catalog
Pŏt'ŏ = Butter: Yujŭk'i Asak'o sosŏl
Yuzuki, Asako
View in Catalog
Have you read
Butter
, a novel by Japanese author
Asako Yuzuki
?
Inspired by the real-life "Metropolitan Marriage-Hunting Serial Murder Case" that took place in Japan in 2009,
Butter
is more than just a crime mystery. At its heart is the story of two women: Manako Kajii (Kajimana), a woman imprisoned on suspicion of poisoning several men, and Rika Machida, a weekly magazine journalist who repeatedly interviews her. What begins as a straightforward investigation gradually pulls Rika into deeper conversations—not only with Kajimana but also with herself, as she is forced to confront her beliefs and relationships.
The novel boldly challenges long-standing societal norms in Japan, such as the ideas that "women should be beautiful," "women should be young," "women should be slim," and "women should be domestic." At the same time, the story is filled with rich and sensual descriptions of food, which play a crucial role throughout the book. The recipes and meals described within appeal to all five senses, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the page.
I found myself particularly drawn to the simple but evocative dish of butter-soy-sauce rice. Before I knew it, I was trying it for myself in the kitchen. Reading the novel and then cooking and tasting a dish from its pages created a powerful connection between fiction and real life.
Butter
is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to eat, to live, and to be a woman. It leaves a lasting impression.
Originally published in Japan in 2017,
Butter
was translated into English and released in the UK and US in 2024, receiving widespread acclaim. It was named Waterstones Book of the Year 2024 in the UK and won the Debut Fiction award at the British Book Awards 2025.
I highly recommend this novel to those interested in contemporary Japanese literature and anyone curious about women's lives, social expectations, and the relationship between food and identity. The emotions and meals depicted in
Butter
are sure to linger in your heart long after you turn the final page.
Other Books Reviewed by Yoko Hata
The Night of Baba Yaga
by Ōtani, Akira
See all of Yoko's picks
Suggest a Book
Do you have a favorite book that you'd like to share?
Send us an email
with the title and author, and why you think it should be recommended.
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
My Library Account
Enhanced Catalog Account
Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
Ask a Librarian
Book a Librarian
Find A Library
Connect with LAPL
Facebook
instagram
YouTube
Newsletter
Top
LAPL Home
My Account
Books & E-Media
Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Voter Information
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map
Jump to Navigation
Jump to Content
View it in Our Catalog
皆さんは、柚木麻子さんの小説 (Butter) をもうお読みになりましたか?
この作品は、2009 年に日本で実際に起きた「首都圏連続婚活殺人事件」をモチーフにしたフィクションです。この物語は、単なる犯罪ミステリーではありません。物語の中心となるのは、複数の男性を毒殺した容疑で収監されている女性・梶井真奈子(カジマナ)と、彼女に取材を重ねる週刊誌記者・町田里佳です. 事件の真相を追うだけだったはずの里佳は、カジマナとの対話を通じて、自分の周りの人たちを巻き込みながら、自分自身の内面と向き合わざるを得なくなっていきます.
物語は、「女性は美しいほうがいい」「女性は若いほうがいい」「女性は痩せていたほうがいい」「女性は家庭的なほうがいい」といった、日本に根強く残る社会の固定観念や偏見を、読む者に鋭く問いかけてきます。それと同時に、数々の料理が、物語の重要なポイントとして登場する点も、大きな魅力です. 作品内に登場する数々のレシピや食事の場面は、読者の五感に訴えかけてきます。ただ読むだけでなく、その料理を味わわずにはいられないような描写に満ちているのです.
実際、私自身も物語の中に登場する「バター醤油ご飯」が気になってしまい、気が付けば台所に立っていました. 本を読みながら、その中に出てくる料理を作り味わうという体験は、まさに本の世界と現実をつなぐというすばらしい体験でした. (Butter)は、「食べること」、「生きること」、「女性であること」の意味を問い直すような、深い読後感を残してくれます.
この作品は、2017 年に日本で刊行されたのち、2024 年にはイギリスとアメリカで英訳版が出版され、大きな反響を呼びました. イギリスでは (Waterstones Book of the Year 2024) に選ばれ、2025 年5月には (The British Book Awards 2025) デビュー・フィクション部門も受賞しています.
柚木麻子 / Butter
Yuzuki, Asako
View in Catalog
Pŏt'ŏ = Butter: Yujŭk'i Asak'o sosŏl
Yuzuki, Asako
View in Catalog
Have you read
Butter
, a novel by Japanese author
Asako Yuzuki
?
Inspired by the real-life "Metropolitan Marriage-Hunting Serial Murder Case" that took place in Japan in 2009,
Butter
is more than just a crime mystery. At its heart is the story of two women: Manako Kajii (Kajimana), a woman imprisoned on suspicion of poisoning several men, and Rika Machida, a weekly magazine journalist who repeatedly interviews her. What begins as a straightforward investigation gradually pulls Rika into deeper conversations—not only with Kajimana but also with herself, as she is forced to confront her beliefs and relationships.
The novel boldly challenges long-standing societal norms in Japan, such as the ideas that "women should be beautiful," "women should be young," "women should be slim," and "women should be domestic." At the same time, the story is filled with rich and sensual descriptions of food, which play a crucial role throughout the book. The recipes and meals described within appeal to all five senses, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the page.
I found myself particularly drawn to the simple but evocative dish of butter-soy-sauce rice. Before I knew it, I was trying it for myself in the kitchen. Reading the novel and then cooking and tasting a dish from its pages created a powerful connection between fiction and real life.
Butter
is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to eat, to live, and to be a woman. It leaves a lasting impression.
Originally published in Japan in 2017,
Butter
was translated into English and released in the UK and US in 2024, receiving widespread acclaim. It was named Waterstones Book of the Year 2024 in the UK and won the Debut Fiction award at the British Book Awards 2025.
I highly recommend this novel to those interested in contemporary Japanese literature and anyone curious about women's lives, social expectations, and the relationship between food and identity. The emotions and meals depicted in
Butter
are sure to linger in your heart long after you turn the final page.
Other Books Reviewed by Yoko Hata
The Night of Baba Yaga
by Ōtani, Akira
See all of Yoko's picks
Suggest a Book
Do you have a favorite book that you'd like to share?
Send us an email
with the title and author, and why you think it should be recommended.
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
My Library Account
Enhanced Catalog Account
Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
Ask a Librarian
Book a Librarian
Find A Library
Connect with LAPL
YouTube
Newsletter
Top
LAPL Home
My Account
Books & E-Media
Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Voter Information
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map