The Butterfly Café

by Diane Hawley Nagatomo

Set in modern-day Tokyo, The Butterfly Café tells the story of American Jessie Yamada. When her emotionally-abusive husband suddenly dies in a traffic accident, she is overcome with guilt because while making plans to leave him, she had often thought how much easier it would be for her if he were dead. Those feelings quickly shift to shock and anger after discovering her entire marriage had been built upon secrets and lies. Jessie unexpectedly inherits a dilapidated café full of cats, where with the help of old friends and quirky neighbors, she constructs a new life for herself and her daughter. But just when things finally seem to be going right, a twist of fate forces her to make a decision that will have a far-reaching impact on herself and all the people she loves. The Butterfly Café explores issues such as friendship, family, and love. It shows how second chances at happiness can be found in unexpected ways.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

313 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2023

About the author

Diane Hawley Nagatomo was born in the UK and lived in Nebraska, Spain, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and California before coming to Japan in 1979. She is a semi-retired professor from Ochanomizu University and has written extensively on issues concerning gender, culture, and education. When not teaching or writing, she and her Japanese husband of more than 40 years spend time with their six grandchildren. The Butterfly Café, published in July 2023, was her first work of fiction. Her second work of fiction was "Finding Naomi," and her third, "The Making of Us" will be published in September 2025.

Diane is also on Goodreads under the name of Diane Nagatomo. Check over there to see her bookshelves, reviews, and reading challenges.

Reviews

[Greta Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

Jessie is an American living with her Japanese husband and young daughter in Tokyo. It is not a happy marriage- he is controlling and has anger issues.
When he dies in a car accident she learns many of the secrets he has kept from her over the years and then the story really begins.

This is a story about found family and leaning to love and trust again.

I enjoyed the stories and the historical bits about her husband’s grandmother but while I was wanting Jessie to succeed and be happy I felt like she needed a little more dimension to her character. This did not prevent me from enjoying the story (especially the non traditional family) it did keep me from rating it 5 stars.

I would definitely read other books by this author.

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I liked that the characters were portrayed fairly realistically, even though some of the plot points and situations were a bit unlikely or coincidental. I liked that the main character faced the challenges in her life with courage and determination, in spite of her occasional doubts about her ability to handle everything life was throwing at her. The story has just enough pathos to keep it from becoming too saccharine, and enough of an HEA to end on a feel-good note.

[Sue Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s very readable, and I even learned a thing or two about Japan (despite having lived here for about 10 years and thinking I knew the place well)!

[Maya Walkington-Stauber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!
I enjoyed the mixture of cultures, the Japanese and American.
I like the different personalities.
I was captivated by the storyline! MayaWS

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a book that is just a sweet story. This is one of those books.

[Arla Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Butterfly Cafe

I really enjoyed this book with all the quirky characters. The story line embraced non conventional families, multigenerational relationships, friendships and life’s second chances with it all centered in Japan!!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Café by Diane Hawley Nagatomo. The author reeled in when she used whoop-de-do as a descriptive phrase. The story got better and better. Enjoyed how the blended families and how people from different backgrounds and lifestyles got together and formed bonds. Interesting to read about the Japanese culture and traditions. The second chance romance played out perfectly for Jessie and her children. First book that I have read by Ms Nagatomo and am hoping that she will write more. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Ms Nagatomo, Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Café is a real page-turner. I found it easy to identify with the main character so I could hardly wait to find out what happened next. As a long-term resident of Japan, I found the story to be believable and authentic. I have already recommended it to friends. I look forward to reading Nagatomo's next novel.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Jessie Yamada is planning on leaving her emotionally abusive Japanese husband when he is killed in a car accident. After his death she finds out that her marriage was all lies and deceit. Now she sets about to build a new life for herself and her daughter in Japan. Good life affirming story.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be enchanted by The Butterfly Cafe. This author possesses the sort of storytelling gift I have always wished for so that I could share with my family and friends all the wonderful adventures I've had and life lessons I've learned living in Japan for three decades. (The author has been here four.) She truly conveys the spirit of my experiences. I'm sure millions of readers will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kristina Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Book

I got pulled right into this book. I loved the characters and the Japanese setting and the out of the ordinary family. I found it inspiring and engaging. Very well written...loved the book!

[Christopher Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Café is an uplifting and engrossing novel about the importance of friendship in the absence of family, and how determination and bravery can lead to happiness. An enjoyable page-turner, I was invested in the wellbeing of the protagonist, Jessie from the start as she struggled to overcome a devastating loss, and I remained tightly involved in the story with the help of skillfully written twists and turns, all the way to the final chapter, where perhaps the story's biggest surprise of all is revealed. I'm very much looking forward to Diane Hawley Nagatomo's next novel!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy transport to Japan, stepping into Jessie Yamada's life. Within a few chapters, Jessie and her daughter Miya are faced with the deaths of people who are of their inner circle in life. Others step into their lives - some they know of and some simply show up one day.

A single mother doing her best to get by in difficult circumstances. I appreciated the author's skill at showing that changing one's mind about big things, those judgments we've carried from our childhood homes (that we've been groomed to!) can be examined, considered and left in the road and we won't break. In fact, we'll be even better to have formed and embraced our own thinking on important aspects in our lives.

Jessie fights her daily battles, surprises on surprises, teased with whispers of generational secrets, and shadows of doubt in her ability to find the rainbow. Courage, Grasshopper. To the very end. . .

*A sincere thank you to Diane Hawley Nagatomo, Black Rose Writing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheButterflyCafe #NetGalley 25|52:35a

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this novel. Diane Nagatomo is a great storyteller! Having lived in Japan for almost 30 years, I enjoyed the witty insights and descriptions on life here. She did well capturing various personalities without getting too stereotypical. I dare say this was a page turner!

[Mariana O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Butterfly Cafe" by Diane Hawley Nagatomo is a true gem of a novel, and an absolute must-read for fans of heartfelt and engaging stories. Set in the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Tokyo, the book draws readers in from the very first page with its compelling storyline and richly crafted characters.

The protagonist, Jessie Yamada, is a character that readers can instantly connect with – a strong, yet vulnerable woman who is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and circumstances. Following the sudden death of her husband, Jessie finds herself burdened with guilt, anger, and a myriad of revelations about her marriage. The book explores Jessie's journey towards healing and self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of her life while raising her five-year-old daughter, Miya. Jessie's courageous decision to start afresh by opening the inherited Butterfly Café, despite its dilapidated condition, is truly inspiring.

Nagatomo's writing style is incredibly engaging. Her vivid descriptions and authentic portrayal of Japan's culture and traditions bring the setting to life and make readers feel like they're walking the streets of Tokyo themselves. The book's pacing is spot on, striking a perfect balance between reflective moments and page-turning events.

But what truly sets this novel apart is its portrayal of family, friendship, and love. "The Butterfly Cafe" is a heartwarming exploration of the diverse facets of family – the joy, the heartbreak, the support, and the tensions that come with it. Nagatomo deftly portrays the importance of friendship and how a close-knit community can help navigate even the roughest waters. The growing romance between Jessie and Mark adds a delightful dimension to the story, making it even more compelling.

Moreover, the friendship that forms between Jessie and Ayako is intriguing and highlights how reaching out to others can enrich one's life. Nagatomo does an exceptional job of weaving in cross-cultural tidbits between the US and Japan, providing readers with insights into the subtleties of Japanese culture, and the universal themes of love, loss, and family resonate strongly throughout.

"The Butterfly Cafe" is an immersive, heartwarming, and life-affirming novel that will leave readers with a sense of hope and a longing for more. It is a perfect summer read that will transport you from your daily life to the bustling streets of Tokyo, and into the lives of characters that will remain with you long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a book that combines a compelling storyline, vivid descriptions, and relatable characters with an exploration of deep emotional themes, look no further. Grab your copy of "The Butterfly Cafe" today and embark on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always happy with a debut novel that I love!! This is Diane Hawley Nagatomo's first foray into fiction. This book is set in modern Tokyo, while also teaching the reader about Japanese customs and culture. A story of family, loss, struggles and happiness. Jessie is an American living in Japan with her abusive Japanese husband and young daughter. He suddenly dies and Jessie learns so much about her husband and his family as she settles his estate. Luckily, her chosen family is there for her! The book is full of fun, loving characters, as well as some challenging ones too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I'm looking forward to more from Ms Nagatomo and hopefully more about Jessie and her family!
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this ARC. This is my opinion.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I enjoy more than a good story about second chances and The Butterfly Cafe by new-to-me author Diane Hawley Nagatomo is a perfect example. When American Jessie Yamada's verbally abusive husband is killed in a traffic accident, she has a chance to start a new life for herself and her daughter. But do they stay in Tokyo or head back to America? After Jessie unexpectedly inherits a run-down cafe, she decides to create a gathering place for the neighborhood. With the help of a very supportive community, she welcomes all kinds of customers including a mysterious woman who claims to have had a deeply personal relationship w/Jessie's late husband.

Secrets and lies are exposed and Jessie will need every ounce of her new-found strength to build a happy ever after life. Highly recommend! I received an advance reader's copy of this novel and the opinions expressed here are my own.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Nagatomo’s riveting debut, the newly widowed, yet ever resilient American Jesse Yamada navigates secrets and scandals in her Japanese husband’s past, as she struggles to reconstruct her life. The Butterfly Café presents a fully contemporary view of Japan, with vividly drawn complicated characters, while imparting fascinating glimpses of the country’s history. But most of all, it’s a celebration of second chances and found families. Also, there are cookies. This is the novel I’ve been waiting for.

[Louisa Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising Find

This is not the genre that I normally read. I’m so glad my daughter recommended it to me. Once I started it, I couldn’t put down. I found it very well written and extremely interesting. The plot teaches us the twists and turns that life can take and that looking on the bright side makes life worth living. The best things might be just around the corner or across the park.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Families come in all shapes and sizes, from those we are born into, to those that welcome us into them with open arms. ‘The Butterfly Café’ is a celebration of both. The story is about love, family, and most importantly, acceptance. The story is beautifully written and poignant. It will touch your heart.

[Karen Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “The Butterfly Cafe” author Diane Hawley Nagatomo has created a character who is equal parts pluck, spunk, wit, and pathos. A story filled with serendipities, challenges faced and overcome, this heroine’s life is family-focused and community committed. A tale to remember, readers will delight in this young foreign woman’s unusual trajectory in contemporary Japan.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Yamada, an American living in Japan, is awoken in the middle of the night by a phone call she never could have anticipated: her husband has been killed in a car accident. Her initial feeling of shock is compounded by guilt and rage, as not only had she found herself on the cusp of leaving him for his abusive tendencies when the accident happened, but she also discovers that almost everything she thought she knew about him was a lie. She inherits a cafe in his will, and with the help of friends old and new, commits to starting over. His past is never far behind, though.

The dialogue was one of my favorite parts of this book. The speech patterns of native Japanese speakers’ English were spot-on, and the characters had realistic levels of comedic timing and emotion when they spoke. Jessie’s inner narrative regarding grief and guilt was especially compelling. The children were written particularly well, which is rare praise from me. The story is poignant and firmly grounded in reality, and the writing had enough exposition to give the reader a detailed image of the characters and setting in their heads without getting bogged down.

The author captures the day to day complications of life in Japan in perfect detail, from people talking about you while you’re right next to them because they assume you don’t speak the language, to the staggering level of bureaucracy involved in any major life change, to the cutthroat politics within mom groups. But I appreciated that it also portrayed the friendships that many people form while here, and how much that kind of support is necessary. If you’re looking for a nuanced and heartwarming read, this is definitely for you.

5/5 An uplifting tale of recovery and perseverance.

[T M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family drama set in Japan where the author has been living for many years felt at once familiar and fresh. The female characters buzzed with life, with many funny moments amongst the story twists. Family secrets delving into the past were revealed later by layer, as a reminder that every family has untold stories. I enjoyed this book with a cup of tea and cookies by my side.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended to me by a friend. She's a friend of the author and also named in the acknowledgments. I'm happy to say I really enjoyed it! I bought to support a writer and ended up smiling, laughing, and crying. I recommend it too!

[Judith Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into Japanese culture in a modern fashion

An easy interesting read of how our lives can change when we least expect it. Blending a modern society in Japan with old cultures we can embrace this modern family. Enjoy!

[Katarzyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!
First of all - I love the cover, that's what drew me to this book. And once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I loved the setting, characters and their relationships. It's one of those feel good books. Highly recommend it!

[Phyllis Handy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Butterfly Cafe

This was a really good book! If you like to read about different cultures or people overcoming hardships through friends, this one is for you. It even has a love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please, Diane Hawley Nagatomo, write more!

[Lynne A Grosshans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The Butterfly Café is a heartfelt and inspiring read. Diane Hawley Nagatomo beautifully captures life in Japan while telling Jessie’s story of loss, resilience, and second chances. The mix of emotional depth, cultural detail, and the warmth of community makes it hard to put down. A wonderful book for anyone who enjoys stories of rebuilding and hope.

[Susan Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became totally immersed in this story and was rooting for the protagonist, Jessie, the whole time! It was such a wonderful story of someone finding happiness in the midst of tragedy, and a reminder of what’s important in human life which is filled with uncertainty.

[Todd Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed…savored…this first novel by Diane Hawley Nagatomo. It was like a big ’ol’ Vidalia onion, sweet, with just as many layers. Nagatomo artfully takes the reader on a bi-cultural journey with the protagonist, giving her character depth and substance with every turn of the page. Just when you think you have uncovered the last layer, up comes yet another layer to digest and savor. Much of the appeal for me was how the author weaved in cross-cultural tidbits between the US and Japan…the author is a long term American residing in Japan, and this knowledge and cross-cultural experience and expertise shines through brilliantly as she develops an engaging story of love, loss, family, friendship, heartache, and elation. Very believable. Her descriptions of Japanese customs and traditions are spot on. I am also a long term resident of Japan, and I appreciated her thoughtful descriptions and explanations of the more subtle aspects of Japanese culture that a tourist or short-term visitor may not notice or understand.

I am hoping she writes a sequel to this novel…may I be so bold to suggest a “prequel,” too? A book that follows the characters where this novel ends would be very interesting…a book that goes deep into the protagonist’s and the other characters’ lives (before her life in Japan begins) would be a compelling read, as well.

I found it to be a page-Turner and loved it. I think it would make a lovely “book club” title as there is much to discuss and unpack. An enthusiastic thumb’s up from me!