Outhouse Book Club: May Session

The Outhouse Book Club returns on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 from 6-8pm in the Outhouse Library to discuss Butter by Asako Yukuzi.

Title: Butter

Authors: Asako Yukuzi

Length: 464 pages

Summary:

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, who she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captured the nation’s imagination but Kajii refuses to speak with the press, entertaining no visitors. That is, until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew and Kajii can’t resist writing back.

Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen. As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a masterclass in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii but it seems that she might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body, might she and Kaji have more in common than she once thought?

Inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, "The Konkatsu Killer", Asako Yuzuki’s Butter is a vivid, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.

Content warnings:
- Body shaming
- Fatphobia
- Misogyny

How does it work?

Once you have secured your ticket, it's up to you to source a copy of this month's book to read in time for the next Book Club session. See below for information on how you can find a copy of this month's book.

Attendance is free, but space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot!

Tickets are limited to 1 per order. If you can no longer attend this event, please refund your ticket through your order confirmation email. Alterntatively, you can contact Mark at [email protected].

Where can I find copies of this month's book?
Where to buy/borrow: Available in most bookstores ranging between €14-€26. Butter was only published in February of this year, so for that reason the cost might be slightly higher than the average book.

Don’t forget you can check your local library, and the Outhouse library for a copy of the book. Also available on audiobook.

Meet the Book Club Facilitators:

Host or Publisher Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre