"If you scrimp on butter, your food will taste inferior" 

The premise of this book is well known and needs no further introduction.

Rika's detailed reflections of the impact Manakos' reccomendations has had on her is a lesson in the way language enriches both the mind and the senses; I found the descriptions around food and the body almost intoxicating and unable to stop reading each chapter as the two women become closer and shared confidence in one and other. 

Rika presents with the dilemmas of the modern day woman within a heavily patriarchal society focused on tradition and custom, with desire or the wish to be desireable underlining behaviour. Manako makes use of what is deemed desireable for her own desired outcomes. Although both women have different processes, their goals are similar and it has left me in a moral quandry during reading.

Rika grows in her attachment to Manako as she visits the Tokyo detention house, and as she continues her investigation there is blur between Rika's own childhood, life and the stories she absorbs from her situationship, Father, Mother and her best friend. 

The analogy of butter is an interesting one, as butter can be flavoured and also takes on flavour. Butter is often an companion in many recipes, but rarely centred. This made me reflect on the positioning of women. How we consume food and in some respects, women are also seen as for consumption.

I find myself conflicted towards Manako as the story went on, her hard stand on body positivity was contrasted by her views on Woman serving /providing men with comforts as "their god given role". 

The quote which gave me the most pause

"Men are seeking a profession...Women seek a lifelong partner"

This is a absolutely brilliant book; although it did take me a couple of reads to get into it, this will really suit readers who enjoy a fast paced character driven read.