Katsudon was the main item that wouldn’t disappear from my mind, however.

I think for the month of August, most of my literary inspired meals will be done within the realm of Babbling Books' Women in Translation challenge. There are so many mouth watering dishes that are described in detail throughout the story - much of what ties into the beautifully written tale. I picked a couple off the shelves and dedicated the week to a reread for inspiration of a dish to make and my attention rarely was drawn away from Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto. When perusing both her and others suggestions for the month I came to the realisation that I already had a number of translated books in my shelf already - I just had no idea that they were. This month, I’ve been drawn quite heavily into Babbling Books' Women in Translation Month. Whether it be a book that a friend mentions casually, one that has a glowing review in a local paper or the multiple of recommendations that flood through the wonder that is instagram. ‘Katsudon, please,’ I said.Īn incredibly amount of influence into the books I read come from recommendations. I craved something heavy and filling, so I ordered deep-fried pork in broth over rice. I opened the door with a sense of relief and went in.

Through the frosted glass door I saw it had only one customer, who was sitting at the counter. I peered through into the darkened windows of souvenir shops and I spotted the light coming from a small eatery that was still open.

Banana yoshimoto's kitchen