Sweet Bean Paste: The International Bestseller

This is a beautiful and poignant story about life, suffering, social stigma, and friendship. I love that it incorporates these themes through the setting of Japan and yet the lessons and themes are relevant no matter where you live. This is one of my new favorite books. The writing is lovely, the translation is superb, and the order and shipment from Amazon were great.

If you are familiar with popular, translated Japanese literature, you know it is often cozy, melancholy, and carries a heartfelt message. This book, however, breaks the mold. It is, in fact, cozy and melancholy with a key message, but it also teaches the reader, as all remarkable books do (in my opinion). Many of us have some vague awareness of Hansen's disease (leprosy), but lack any true knowledge about it. This book delves into the heart of the issue as it pertains to Japanese citizens. The author skillfully uses one of his characters to tie the topic of Hansen's disease to his key message that life has meaning regardless of what one does or does not do for society. I cannot express enough how moving this message is to me, even if the second, more philosophical part of his message leaves me a little wary (read the book and author's note to learn about that). The writing is accessible, moving, and informative without seeming so. It's also multigenerational and touches on issues that affect us all. And bonus: you learn a little about making dorayaki. Please, give it a read.

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa was a story that was very different from my usual choices in novels. Lighthearted and touching, this book is soft and breezy with unexpected twists, which is why I think I came to like it so much. While maintaining what you would believe is a simple story in the beginning, as they delve deeper into the stories of each character, you get a better grasp of the depth there actually is. The main protagonist, Sentaro, was revealed to have quite the surprising background with a criminal record, love for drinking, and a dream to become a writer. With his work at the dorayaki confectionery shop, he was accompanied by Tokue, a sweet old woman hiding her own dark secrets and they both were later introduced to a young school girl named Wakana. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a story that takes in philosophical notes and the theme of finding meaning in life. The exploration of their stories was a sweet journey; lovely, smooth, emotional, and insightful. With each of them coming from a different generation of time, we got to see how they all grew closer in relationship, forming an expected, yet spirited and heartwarming friendship. In details, they mention the history behind the outbreak of leprosy in Japan and how the societal stigma surrounding the topic has effected most, if not all, of the patients who had survived and are even fully cured. The judgement of others and fear of catching it had created the environment where it is avoided even speaking of it due to worries. I enjoyed the adventure through finding acceptance, bravery, and also forgiveness within themselves and others, the message being enlightening and pushing for authenticity in living. The syrupy taste in the beginning slower turns bittersweet, tugging at your heart as you progress through the story and it was overall very powerful! I highly recommend this book and will enjoy reading again later on!

Sweet Bean Paste is a short, feel-good story that brings together characters from different walks of life. While the premise is intriguing, the novel struggles to delve into the depths of its characters and fails to evoke significant emotional interest. The character development is basic at best. The story centers on Sentaro, a man who works at a pastry shop making dorayakis—a type of pancake/sandwich. He befriends Tokue, a customer who teaches him how to improve the sweetness of the bean paste, leading to a friendship of sorts. However, I say friendship loosely because this relationship never fully develops, remaining somewhat superficial throughout the novel. At the heart of the story are themes of social stigmas: the stigma of past mistakes, the stigma of disease, and the quest for freedom in a society where social norms act as barriers. These themes are intriguing and relevant, yet the author falls short of providing the depth needed to fully explore them. While not every story needs to be character-driven, the novel's exploration of these themes lacks the necessary insight. Despite its shortcomings, Sweet Bean Paste is well-written and offers valuable lessons from perspectives rarely addressed in modern literature. The prose is engaging, and the attempt to tackle significant social issues is commendable. I give the book three stars for its writing quality and its effort to shed light on important themes. Nonetheless, everything in this story remains at surface level. The lack of emotional depth and vivid character substance prevents it from being truly memorable.

Such a lovely story. I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down!

I enjoyed this book, very easy to read and relaxing. Very sweet story. I would recommend! I didn’t know what to expect, but I really liked it.

Durian Sukegawa's "Sweet Bean Paste" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, skillfully interweaving themes of redemption, resilience, and the beauty of life's simple pleasures. Through the lens of Japanese culture and cuisine, Sukegawa crafts a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and empathy. The characters are intricately developed, their struggles and triumphs resonating with authenticity. Sukegawa's prose is exquisite, evoking sensory experiences that linger long after the final page. "Sweet Bean Paste" is a testament to the transformative power of connection and the healing potential found in embracing life's imperfections. From the final chapter: “‘If all you ever see is reality, you just want to die. The only way to get over barriers,’ she said, ‘is to live in the spirit of already being over them.’’ Truly a masterpiece of contemporary literature.

What a lovely and inspirational book. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading time with this one. Of the 37 books that I have read in the last five months, I have only given "Sweet Bean Paste", and three other books a rating of 4 out of 5. If your heart is open, this read will touch it on many levels. You may even learn a valuable lesson! :)

It’s a quiet story, but its impact is profound, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for the sweetness hidden in life's complexities. Highly recommended for all the readers out there

Wurde zu einem meiner Lieblingsbücher :) sehr berührende Geschichte

This is a very sweet book. Very nice read. Good description of the places that opens your imagination. I like it.

I bought this book almost a month ago, and finished it recently. If you're looking forward to reading it to experience something enthralling and exciting, that leaves you awestruck, this is not the one for you. But if you want to read something that offers a slowly progressive character development, and makes you wonder about life, this is exactly for you. It offers one a subtle perspective to try, and it feels like sipping a warm cup of lemon tea on a cool breezy evening when you don't really want to do anything but relax.

Um bom livro sobre a as agruras, dureza da vida e a capacidade do ser humano em encontrar um propósito.