Sweet Bean Paste

Synopsis

 

'I'm in story heaven with this book.' Cecelia Ahern, author of P.S. I Love You

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.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Dorayaki Man

* Summary: Introduces Sentaro, a gruff and solitary dorayaki (red bean paste pancake) maker. He runs a small shop in a quiet neighborhood, struggling to make ends meet.
* Real example: Sentaro's rough exterior hides a deep sense of loneliness and regret over the death of his parents. His dorayakis, though often misshapen and imperfect, reflect his own broken spirit.

Chapter 2: Sweet Bean Paste

* Summary: Enter Tokue, an elderly woman with remarkable skill in making sweet bean paste, the heart of dorayakis. Sentaro reluctantly hires her as an assistant.
* Real example: Tokue's bean paste is smooth, rich, and subtly flavored, revealing her patient and dedicated nature. She brings a touch of warmth and sweetness to the otherwise gloomy shop.

Chapter 3: The Broken Past

* Summary: Tokue's past is gradually revealed. She worked as a leprosy patient at a sanatorium during World War II and was outcast by society after her release.
* Real example: Tokue's story sheds light on the horrors of segregation and the lasting scars it leaves on individuals. Despite her suffering, she maintains a quiet dignity and resilience.

Chapter 4: The Healing Power of Food

* Summary: The townsfolk initially shun the shop due to Tokue's past, but Sentaro stands by her. Together, they demonstrate the transformative power of food to bridge social divides.
* Real example: The dorayakis made with Tokue's bean paste become a symbol of acceptance and forgiveness. They bring people together, regardless of their differences.

Chapter 5: The Secret Recipe

* Summary: Sentaro discovers that Tokue's bean paste contains a secret ingredient: the tears she sheds while making it. Her tears embody her pain, hope, and longing.
* Real example: The secret ingredient emphasizes the emotional depth that goes into the creation of any masterpiece. It humanizes Tokue and allows Sentaro to see her as more than just a helper.

Chapter 6: The Music of Life

* Summary: Tokue's passion for koto (Japanese harp) music is another outlet for her emotions. Her music expresses the unspoken words in her heart.
* Real example: The koto music serves as a metaphor for communication beyond language. It transcends physical limitations and conveys the complexities of human experience.

Chapter 7: The Sweet Bean Paste Legacy

* Summary: As Tokue's health declines, Sentaro realizes the importance of preserving her legacy. He trains a young apprentice to carry on her tradition of making exceptional bean paste.
* Real example: The passing on of knowledge and skills ensures that the memory of those who came before us endures. It creates a sense of continuity and purpose for future generations.

Chapter 8: The Last Dorayaki

* Summary: Tokue's final dorayaki is a masterpiece that embodies all her life experiences and love. Sentaro serves it to a group of elderly residents, bringing them a moment of pure joy.
* Real example: The last dorayaki represents the culmination of Tokue's journey and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of food.