Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
Sweet Bean Paste tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Sentaro, a man who runs a small dorayaki shop, and Tokue, an elderly woman with disfigured hands and a tragic past. Despite his initial hesitation, Sentaro hires Tokue and soon learns that she is highly skilled in making Sweet Bean Paste, the filling for dorayaki. Tokue’s arrival not only serves as a turning point for Sentaro’s little confectionary shop but also transforms his entire outlook on life.
While reading this book, I realized that on the most random days, we might cross paths with a stranger who unexpectedly leaves a lasting impact on our lives. Sentaro didn’t value his life beyond repaying his debts, but then he meets this old woman who speaks so poetically about making Sweet Bean Paste. I appreciate how the book translates Tokue’s approach to life into the act of making Sweet Bean Paste—with great care, love, and a deep connection to nature.
Sweet Bean Paste explores the lives of people ostracized by society who managed to find comfort and meaning in their shared struggles and joys. I couldn’t help but reflect on how we live in a very judgmental world. Even when a person has overcome a terrible past, it’s difficult to escape the stigma that lingers. I admit that I, too, sometimes fall prey to my own prejudices, but after reading this book, I will try harder to be a better person.
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.
Until, that is, Tokue comes into his life. An elderly woman with disfigured hands and a troubled past, she makes the best sweet bean paste Sentaro has ever tasted. The unlikeliest of friendships blossoms, but it will take all of their resolve – and plenty of pancakes – to protect themselves when Tokue's dark secret comes to light.