Sweet Bean Paste

By: Durian Sukegawa, Alison Watts - translator

Narrated by: Cindy Kay

A charming tale of friendship, love, and loneliness in contemporary Japan

Sentaro has failed. He has a criminal record, drinks too much, and his dream of becoming a writer is just a distant memory. With only the blossoming of the cherry trees to mark the passing of time, he spends his days in a tiny confectionery shop selling dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste.

But everything is about to change.

Into his life comes Tokue, an elderly woman with disfigured hands and a troubled past. Tokue makes the best sweet bean paste Sentaro has ever tasted. She begins to teach him her craft, but as their friendship flourishes, social pressures become impossible to escape and Tokue's dark secret is revealed, with devastating consequences.

Sweet Bean Paste is a moving novel about the burden of the past and the redemptive power of friendship. Translated into English for the first time, Durian Sukegawa's beautiful prose is capturing hearts all over the world.

©2013, 2015 Durian Sukegawa; English translation copyright 2017 by Alison Watts (P)2022 Tantor

Amazing, heartfelt

This book moved me. It was so lovely, the characters were well written. I intend to buy the paperbook and watch the movie. Loved it.

Loved it

Inspiring story my family was visiting Japan and I now have a much more appreciation of everything we experienced while visiting. I look forward to visiting again. Thank you so much for writing this book.

Heartfelt Story between the unlikely friendship between an old lady in her 70s and a middle aged chef

Heartfelt Story between the unlikely friendship between an old lady in her 70s and a middle aged chef who makes doriyaki. I simply love all the Japanese Literature, they are very heartfelt and nice. 5 stars

unexpected history lesson

This story takes an unexpected twist that delves into Japanese history, culture, and sensibilities over difference. Very eye-opening.

The cherry blossoms

This book was recommended by grandson. I hesitated to download it but I’m glad I did.