This book review was written by Dasha Melikova of Richard Montgomery
Sweet Bean Paste is a stunningly poetic Japanese novel that is sure to warm your heart. Written by Durian Sukegawa and translated into English by Alison Watts, this book somehow manages to remain quick and lighthearted while shedding light on important issues and teaching wonderful life lessons. It’s certainly a memorable book with its inspiring story of unconventional friendships, the ups and downs of life and the importance of never giving up.
Sentaro, our main character, has lost his sense of self and sees no purpose in life, merely going through the basic day-to-day motions. After getting out of jail, he begins working at a small confectionery store in order to pay off his debt. He had always wanted to be a writer but evidently, things didn’t go as planned. Alone at the shop everyday, he makes dorayaki, a Japanese sweet with adzuki red bean paste, or anko, filled between two small pancakes. Lacking any appreciation for life, he puts no heart into anything he does and spends most of his evenings trying to forget his sorrows with alcohol.
Craving some company, Sentaro puts an ad out for a helper and much to his surprise, a little old lady, Tokue, with disfigured fingers asks for the job. Afraid that she won’t be able to handle the work, simply becoming a hindrance to him, Sentaro is hesitant to hire her. However, when Tokue brings him some of her homemade anko, it’s nothing like Sentaro has ever tasted before; it’s deliciously sweet and rich, completely different from the plain store-bought bean paste Sentaro had been using.
“The aroma seemed to leap up at him, as if it were alive, racing through his nose to the back of his head. Unlike the ready-made paste, this was the smell of fresh, living beans. It had depth. It had life. A mellow, sweet taste unfurled inside Sentaro’s mouth.” —Sweet Bean Paste (Durian Sukegawa)
Thus, Tokue starts working at the confectionery and teaching Sentaro how to make the sweet bean paste himself. As an unlikely friendship begins to form between them, Tokue teaches him much, much more as she helps him on his journey of self-discovery. In fact, part of what really touched me about this book was Tokue’s wonderful words of wisdom as she not only comforted Sentaro but the readers as well, to the point where her words would make me tear up at times.
“I know you may not be able to hear anything now, even if you try, but please don't give up. I feel sure that one day you will find whatever it is you seek, and that the spark that leads to it will come from hearing some kind of voice. People's lives never stay the same colour forever. There are times when the colour of life changes completely.” —Tokue, Sweet Bean Paste (Durian Sukegawa)
This is a slower-paced, character-driven story rather than an action-packed plot, focusing instead on contemplation and the characters’ growth and relationships. Personally, I really enjoyed this as it allowed for the character arcs to develop so genuinely and for their relationships to be perfectly fleshed out. Overall, the characters and relationships are incredibly inspiring and their relatability will definitely win your love.
The main relationship between Tokue and Sentaro provides the basis for a lot of the understanding we have of the characters, demonstrating the power of friendship. We witness particularly how Tokue’s wisdom propels Sentaro’s incredible character development as she helps him find purpose and passion in life and teaches him to appreciate the simple moments. As for Tokue, I absolutely adored her; despite all that she had been through, she was enduringly resilient and positive.
Tokue’s character points to one of the primary reasons that this book was written: Durian Sukegawa wished to shed light on the attitude towards patients of Hansen’s disease, or leprosy, in Japan. Thus, through the story of Tokue’s heartbreaking past, revealing her own battle with the disease, Sukegawa is able to comment on the horrible treatment, how patients were separated from their families and deprived of freedom even decades after they were cured.
Besides this, Sweet Bean Paste also includes important subjects of loneliness and existential dread, seen in Sentaro, that many can relate to. Throughout the entire book, Sukegawa deeply integrated the important message that all life, no matter how humble, has meaning, and we all provide valuable contributions to the world we live in. As Tokue shows Sentaro, it’s important to live in the simple moments, to have patience and to really listen to not only the people around, but nature as well.
“We were born in order to see and listen to the world.” —Tokue, Sweet Bean Paste (Durian Sukegawa)
As for the writing style, it was absolutely lovely; it’s the kind of writing that makes you yearn for the ability to write in such a stunning and touching way. I was especially moved by the beautiful prose describing Japan’s lovely cherry blossoms, which is part of what makes this book so perfect for spring. With such detailed depictions, you can clearly imagine the beautiful, pink flower buds blooming all around with the emergence of the season.
“Sentaro slowly turns his head to gaze in rapture at each and every tree. Blossom surrounds him on all sides, as if he is at the centre of a deep, sparkling lake. He senses the full force of emotion that has been dormant in the trees all year, waiting for this once-a-year explosion of joy; their pure, unadulterated happiness.” —Sweet Bean Paste (Durian Sukegawa)
With its short chapters and captivating writing, it can easily be read in one sitting, but its universally important themes make it everlasting. I found this book to be incredibly warm and heartbreaking all at once yet stepped away from it filled with a sense of calm acceptance. Sweet Bean Paste is honestly the best book to read any day as it will reach deep within and touch your soul.
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