The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee

 The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       October 29, 2025

 

Author  Saki Kawashiro. Translated Yuka Maeno.

Distributor:      AmazonAU
ISBN:                 9781398554221
Publisher:         Simon & Schuster UK
Release Date:   28 October 2025  

   Website:   https://www.amazon.com.au/Ex-Boyfriends-Favourite-Recipe-Funeral-Committee/dp/1398554227

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Some people find it difficult to talk about what it is that is troubling them; some have difficulty realizing what it is, that is actually upsetting them. Author, Saki Kawashiro in her debut, contemporary novel “the ex-boyfriend’s favourite recipe funeral committee”, which is inspired by her own experiences, has created a delightful read, where characters are faced with these very problems. It’s not until someone like, Momoko, the narrator of their stories asks them the right questions, that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

An unexpected, sudden break up with her long-term boyfriend, brings the distraught and drunk Momoko to a deserted café, owned by the persuasive, entrepreneurial Lori. Before she knows it, Monoko has poured out her heart to the owner and the one and only customer, Hozumi, a monk in training. Taking pity on Monoko, Lori allows her to make the curry dish, which was her ex-boyfriend’s favourite and after tasting it he hires her as his chef.

Savvy Lori formulates a unique business plan; by allowing customers to discuss their breakup and share a recipe, his business is bound to revive. The Funeral Committee, is formed. Clients come to pour out their emotions to Monoko, Lori and Hozumi, who untangle their feelings, little by little and each of these distraught customers gives the committee a recipe of a memory-filled dish, which is put on the café’s menu.

Each chapter contains a short story of heartbreak and focuses on a different character, who is trying to find closure or healing with a specific relationship, which is not always romantic. Not only will readers particularly enjoy the stories of the clients, who finally let go of their ex-lover via the creation of his favourite food, but they can also indulge in all eight recipes, which are given in full at the end of each chapter.

As this novel has been translated from Japanese, readers with little background in this language would benefit from a glossary of the Japanese culinary terms used.

Fiction, General