well, this was underwhelming

set in the backdrop of the leprosy endemic, 'sweet bean paste' is a short novel about social stigmas, burdening work-culture, friendship, and the importance of inter-connectedness in a period where humans are so deeply detached from one another.

sukegawa highlights various essential themes in this little novel. drawing on the leprosy endemic in the early 20th century, where japan instituted a lifetime quarantine for affected people, ‘sweet bean paste’ is a piece of fiction that draws attention the forgotten members of society through recalling the alienation and the dehumanisation of people who have struggled with illnesses and diseases.

this pairs nicely with the novels other’s central theme of capitalism. sukegawa offers a look into toxic work culture from the perspective of people who are a direct hindrance to capitalist lifestyles: an unwell elderly woman, a convict, and a school girl. as we follow these three characters and their connection to a little confectionary shop, we’re taken on a journey that spans history, japan’s hidden horrors, friendship, love and connection. 

‘sweet bean paste’ is a soft, meandering story that manages to tackle a range of themes, but ultimately felt unremarkable to me. i was bored the entire time. i found that the subpar writing, prosaic characters, juvenile and naive message of ‘we all just need to reconnect with one another and the universe’, made for a very mediocre and forgettable novel. i don’t think this book is necessarily bad, it just didn’t do anything for me, personally.