Sweet Bean Paste

“Sweet bean paste“ is a wonderful, short book. Don't be misled by the number of pages; this book has so much to offer and is still on my mind weeks after finishing it.

I consider the novel a coming-of-age story; our main character is not young, but the events of this novel create a sea change akin to someone awakening to adulthood. The book also sheds light on the treatment of those who suffered from leprosy in Japan in the mid-1900s. The characters are so well drawn that you feel you really know them within a few pages; this is the mark of a very good author.

I don't want to say too much more other than to recommend that you pick up a copy of this book.