Book: Sweet Bean Paste
Author: Durian Sukegawa
Personal Rating: 4/5
A heartwarming story of an old lady, a young man, and a middle school girl who found an unfamiliar friendship at a struggling dorayaki (a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste) store.
“THAT’S WHY I MADE CONFECTIONERY. I MADE SWEET THINGS FOR ALL THOSE WHO LIVED WITH THE SADNESS OF LOSS. AND THAT’S HOW I WAS ABLE TO LIVE OUT MY LIFE.” – Tokue
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The sad truth about this book is how societal pressure and norms may stifle an individual’s pursuit of happiness and dreams. True redemption is the finest part of this story. That we can only find fulfillment and happiness in ourselves. And understanding the value of life’s little pleasures is the secret.
The book will also provide a heartbreakingly thorough look into the treatment of patients with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in Japan, even after they have been treated and are asymptomatic.
Tokue’s outlook on life is inspiring. That everything, down to the tiniest bean, has a life. Her calmness, friendliness, and kindness are above par. The way she sees things is that everything has beauty in them. The wisdom that she acquired through years of struggle.
Hope and the realization of a lifelong dream are at the heart of Sweet Bean Paste. That hope is the only thing that keeps a person from moving forward.
Have you read the book? I love to hear what you think!
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