Sweet Bean Paste

Originally posted on 8/3/19.

Author: Durian Sukegawa.

Genre: Contemporary fiction.

Year of Original Publication: 2013.

Page Number: 213.

First Line: "A sweetly scented breeze blew along Cherry Blossom Street."

Any Triggers? Discussion of suicide.

Summary: The story centers around Sentaro, a young man who works alone at a confectionery selling dorayaki (for those unfamiliar with Japanese sweets, it's a small pancake sandwich filled with the titular sweet bean paste). Sentaro lives a sad existence. He's an alcoholic with no meaningful relationships with anyone, his criminal record prevents him from getting better employment, and he has done nothing to reach his goal of becoming a writer. One day, a mysterious elderly woman named Tokue visits his shop and asks for a job. At first Sentaro rejects her, but she proves her worth by giving him a sample of her almost supernaturally delicious bean paste. Against his better judgement, Sentaro agrees to take her on. Gradually, a friendship blossoms between them that changes both of their lives.

My Thoughts: Many people value their life based on what they do for a living or on the relationships they have. But what happens when both of those things are taken away from you? What's your life's purpose then? That is the central question of this book, and it answers it beautifully.

I thought that I knew where this story was going based on the summary. I assumed this was just going to be a cute yet predictable story about a little old lady that saves a pastry shop. I was expecting this to read like a Japanese Chocolat (the movie, not the book). That comparison is not entirely incorrect, the element of magical food is there, and there is a quaint small town feel to the story despite it taking place in Tokyo. But then it takes a serious turn that I was not expecting (not unlike the book Chocolat, now that I think of it).

Eventually it's revealed that Tokue is hiding a secret past that gives Sentaro better perspective on his own hardships. Without giving away the precise nature of her past hardships, it is an interesting and satisfying reveal that shows a painful chapter of Japanese history that is not often talked about. It's a beautiful illustration of how even those who are unable to have all the traditional markers of a successful life still have lives that are special and full of purpose.

I wholeheartedly recommend this quiet little book that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of attention in the United States. Sweet Bean Paste is a bittersweet tale about the little pleasures that make life worth living. Just make sure you have some tissues nearby for the ending.

Personal note: Yes, I know I haven't updated in a while. I was sick all throughout June, and after that I've been going through the long and stressful process of moving into a new apartment. I do have posts that are half done, hopefully I'll be able to publish a few soon.