Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you find most compelling about Rika Machida’s story? 

2. Did the narrative elapse differently than you expected, and if so, how?

3. What other works of contemporary Japanese fiction does Butter remind you of? Discuss specific titles and authors, and how they compare to Butter.

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Who were your favorite and least favorite characters? Why did these characters elicit strong emotional responses in you?

2. Do you relate to Rika’s or Manako Kajii’s relationship with food? What resonated with you about the way these characters regard the culinary arts?

3. Do you agree or disagree with how Rika communicated with Kajii? What would you have done differently or similarly, and why?

4. The novel explores how childhood meals shape an individual’s relationship with food. How do your childhood memories of food and cooking compare and contrast to the characters’ memories?

5. Do you think that Kajii is guilty of killing her three alleged victims? How did you respond to her character and the media’s representation of her?