Waterstones faces backlash for naming tepid murder mystery book of the year
- Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki has been named Waterstones' Book of the Year for 2024.
- The novel, initially published in Japan in 2017, received mixed reviews upon its UK release, with many readers expressing disappointment.
- The backlash from readers and critics suggests a growing debate over the criteria for recognizing 'best' literature in contemporary book culture.
In the United Kingdom, Waterstones, a prominent book retailer, announced its choice for the 'Book of the Year' for 2024, selecting the Japanese novel Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki. The novel had been a bestseller in Japan since its release in 2017 and was subsequently published in the UK in February 2024. However, the announcement sparked significant backlash on social media, with many readers expressing disappointment and stating that they could not see past the first fifty pages of the book. Critics described it as 'food porn' rather than a true murder mystery, and some reviewers felt the commentary within was overly heavy-handed. The criticism came from various platforms, with notable attention drawn by a TikTok reviewer who pointed out that the book, while it had an intriguing premise, ultimately failed to delve deeply into its potential themes. This led some to believe that the title of 'Book of the Year' was misleading, labeling the work as 'boring' despite its previous acclaim and awards, which included a breakthrough author award at the Books Are My Bag Awards. This reaction reflects a wider debate about the nature of bestsellers and consumer expectations surrounding modern fiction. While The Guardian's review praised the book's exploration of eating habits as a mystery to be solved, other reviewers criticized aspects such as its subpar prose and lack of excitement. The stark contrast in reviews highlighted the subjectivity of literary appreciation and the challenges that contemporary authors face when navigating genre boundaries. Despite the mixed reception, Waterstones' Head of Books, Bea Carvalho, defended the decision, emphasizing that Butter had become a widely discussed title this year due to its unique blend of mystery and social commentary. The controversy around the selection exemplifies how diverse opinions can shape the literary landscape and the ways in which marketing can impact reader perception, especially in a crowded market where consumers seek standout narratives.