Hooked by Asako Yuzuki
A review of Hooked, Asako Yuzuki's follow-up to Butter — a slow-burning character study of obsession, female friendship and the desperate hunger for connection in modern Tokyo. Great cover as well.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
It's nearly thirty years since I read Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood. Given my recently rediscovered interest in all things Japanese, I thought I'd do something I rarely do — give it a re-read. Would it have the same impact on me?
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
Japanese literary crime novel, Butter by Asako Yuzuki blends food, feminism, and mystery in a slow-burning exploration of desire and shame
A Beginners Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations by Pico Iyer
A reflective review of Pico Iyer’s A Beginner’s Guide to Japan — a poetic, thought-provoking travel book that explores Japanese culture through silence, stillness, humour, and contradiction. Ideal reading before your trip to Japan., or if you’re eager to return.
The City and its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
A review of Haruki Murakami’s 2024 novel The City and Its Uncertain Walls — a slow-burning meditation on memory, love, and the walls we build inside ourselves.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata - Book Review
Keiko is a 36 year old convenience store worker in Tokyo under pressure to conform - why isn’t she married with a career? Darkly humorous and thought provoking social critique on modern Japan.
