Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into the themes of friendship, redemption, and the power of human connections. Set in contemporary Japan, this book explores the lives of three individuals whose paths converge around a small dorayaki shop.
Introduction
Book Name: Sweet Bean Paste
Author: Durian Sukegawa
Genre: Literary Fiction
Language: English
Synopsis- Spoiler Alert!
"Sweet Bean Paste" is a captivating novel written by Durian Sukegawa that explores themes of friendship, compassion, and the power of small pleasures in life.
The story revolves around three central characters: Sentaro, an apathetic and disillusioned dorayaki pancake maker; Tokue, an elderly woman with a disfigured hand who applies for a job at Sentaro's shop; and Wakana, a high school girl who becomes a regular customer.
As Sentaro reluctantly hires Tokue, he discovers her exceptional ability to make sweet bean paste, known as anko, which is a crucial ingredient in dorayaki.
Tokue's anko is unlike anything he has tasted before, and the combination of her extraordinary talent and the time and effort she puts into making it sparks a newfound passion in Sentaro for his work.
However, Tokue harbors a painful secret from her past that has led to her isolation from society. As the relationship between Sentaro and Tokue deepens, their struggles and shared love for making Dorayaki become intertwined. Together, they challenge societal prejudices and find solace and joy in their connection.
About the Author
Durian Sukegawa was born in 1962 in Tokyo, Japan. He initially pursued a career as a photographer and worked in various fields before turning his focus to writing. Sukegawa began writing novels in the early 1990s, and "Sweet Bean Paste" (known as "An" in Japanese) was published in 2013.
The novel gained significant acclaim and was later adapted into a film titled "Sweet Bean," directed by Naomi Kawase in 2015.
Durian Sukegawa's writing often reflects his deep appreciation for nature and the simplicity of life. His works are known for their poetic language, introspective characters, and exploration of human connections.
Self Analysis
Through the simple act of making and sharing food, "Sweet Bean Paste" explores larger themes of acceptance, redemption, and the beauty found in unexpected places.
As the characters confront their pasts and strive to find meaning in their lives, the novel reminds readers of the power of empathy and the transformative nature of human connections.
Sukegawa's writing style is elegant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Japanese culture, traditions, and the art of making dorayaki (a popular Japanese confection). The author skillfully delves into the characters' inner worlds, delving into their pasts, fears, and aspirations, creating a deep sense of empathy for each of them.
One of the most powerful aspects of Sweet Bean Paste is its exploration of societal prejudices and the stigma attached to individuals who are seen as different or marginalized.
Through the character of Tokue, who has been shunned due to her physical deformity, the author sensitively portrays the impact of discrimination and the longing for acceptance.
The book's pacing is steady, allowing the reader to savor the emotional depth of the characters' experiences and appreciate the quiet moments of introspection.
It beautifully captures the essence of the Japanese concept of "mono no aware," a bittersweet appreciation for the impermanence of life.
Famous Quotes
- All experience adds up to a
life lived as only you could. I feel sure the day will come when you can
say: this is my life.
- People’s lives never stay the
same color forever. There are times when the color of life changes
completely.
- If I were not here, this full
moon would not be here. Neither would the trees. Or the wind. If my view
of the world disappears, then everything that I see disappears too. It’s
as simple as that.
- That's why I made confectionery. I made sweet things for all those who lived with the sadness of loss. And that's how I was able to live out my life.
Bottom Line
Sweet Bean Paste is not just a story about making delectable treats; it's about finding meaning and connection in unexpected places, and the power of compassion and understanding to transform lives.
It reminds us that beauty and joy can be found even in the most ordinary moments if we open ourselves up to them.
Overall, Sweet Bean Paste is a touching and poignant novel that will linger in the reader's heart long after the final page.
It is a testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul. Whether you have an interest in Japanese culture or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted story of human connection, this book is a true gem.
My rating for the book: 4/5
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Written by Jemima Sultana
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