Play Book Tag discussion

It took me quite a while to get into this slow-paced book, but I ended up really enjoying this story. Sentaro spends his days in a small sweet shop selling dorayaki, a type of pancake filled with sweet bean paste, and his life changes when Tokue makes the best sweet bean paste Sentaro has ever tasted. Tokue is an elderly woman, and their friendship begins to develop with the more time they spend together. I was really interested in Tokue’s story – she had spent many of her younger years locked in a sanatorium due to having Hansen’s disease, and despite being cured many years ago, she is still ostracized by many in society. The first half of the book takes place inside the shop, and I was not as engaged with this part of the story, but the story shifts focus in the second half, which is when we learn about Tokue’s past, and we see the unlikely friendship between the two very different protagonist’s develop.

I read this for last month's tag and also really enjoyed it. I was surprised to learn about Tokue's past, and how much discrimination people with Hansen's disease still face.

I’m glad you liked it too. This book felt very special to me. Every character touched me in some way. I think the Hansen’s storyline was important, but I also enjoyed the slow paced beginning. I think it helped that the MC reminded me of a couple of my students. I’m happy when other people enjoy it too, I know it’s not for everyone.