Tokue approaches him, asking to work for him and she makes the Sweet bean paste. He wanted to be a writer, but is now in a dead end and is feeling trapped by circumstances and life. Sentaro is working making Dorayaki, he does as little as he needs to get by. They come together over sweet bean paste, which forms a component of a sweet delicacy. Both the main protagonists might be said to not be useful members of society, one being a released prisoner, the other had been held in a sanatorium for decades, having had leprosy. It is set in contemporary Japan, and that background colours the story.

This is a story of what gives life meaning. Note: Please check out my reader's blog () and follow me on Twitter ( )

Sweet Bean, a 2015 film based on this book, has been credited with helping Japanese society become fully aware of the existence of its outcasts. Parts are very sad, but in the end, it is uplifting and inspiring with its life-affirming message. Instead, the novel is gentle and meditative, both bittersweet and heart-warming. Tokue also emphasizes that joy can be found if people learn from nature and enjoy the wonder of life moment by moment, regardless of how restricted their circumstances. And that’s all this world wants of us.” A person’s life has meaning if he/she has simply observed or sensed the sky and wind. Tokue stresses that a person's worth lies not in their career or in their contributions to society, but simply in their being: “we were born in order to see and listen to the world. The message of the book is that no existence is devoid of meaning. Though cured 40 years ago, Tokue still faces prejudice and ostracism.

The author reveals a dark chapter in Japanese history when imprisonment, forced labour, sterilization and arbitrary punishment were the fate of those affected with Hansen’s disease. To say her past was harrowing would be an understatement. She is reluctant at first to share her story, but eventually the truth is revealed. Over time, Sentaro learns about Tokue’s life. A friendship develops, one which changes Sentaro’s outlook on life. Her age, gnarled hands, and partially paralyzed face make him hesitate, but then he learns she makes the best sweet bean paste and so hires her. One day, a 76-year-old woman, Tokue Yoshii, asks for a job. Adrift, he feels his life has no purpose. With a checkered past, he has few opportunities so works in a tiny confectionary shop selling dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste. I was looking for something a bit different to read and found glowing reviews of this Japanese novella about an unconventional friendship.

Sweet bean paste book review