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helplesswhilstdrying's review
dark
funny
informative
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ARC - Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Books & Viking Books
I’ve been wanting to read more translated fiction, and Saou Ichikawa’s debut Hunchback immediately intrigued me with its unique premise. Winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, it’s also the first by a disabled author.
Shaka Isawa is a middle-aged disabled woman who lives in a care home, bound by severe spine curvature which requires her to have a ventilator to breathe and drain her lungs. She spends her time writing tweets of her seemingly unachievable salacious dreams, and writes articles an erotica website to pass her time. One day a new male carer joins the staff at the care home, and he reveals he’s read everything she has posted online.
While the blurb suggests the plot revolves around a bold offer Shaka makes the carer, this only surfaces late in the book and the interaction between the two characters is minimal and her offer is barely explored and we jump from 0-100 between them very quickly.
The book’s vivid descriptions of Shaka’s disabilities feel authentic, reflecting the author’s own experiences - and take up the majority of the book. Though the dark humor and sharp commentary on ableism, particularly in Japanese culture, are compelling, the story felt too short. I wished it had been a full-length novel with more room to develop the plot and delve deeper into Shaka’s fascinating perspective.
I’ve been wanting to read more translated fiction, and Saou Ichikawa’s debut Hunchback immediately intrigued me with its unique premise. Winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, it’s also the first by a disabled author.
Shaka Isawa is a middle-aged disabled woman who lives in a care home, bound by severe spine curvature which requires her to have a ventilator to breathe and drain her lungs. She spends her time writing tweets of her seemingly unachievable salacious dreams, and writes articles an erotica website to pass her time. One day a new male carer joins the staff at the care home, and he reveals he’s read everything she has posted online.
While the blurb suggests the plot revolves around a bold offer Shaka makes the carer, this only surfaces late in the book and the interaction between the two characters is minimal and her offer is barely explored and we jump from 0-100 between them very quickly.
The book’s vivid descriptions of Shaka’s disabilities feel authentic, reflecting the author’s own experiences - and take up the majority of the book. Though the dark humor and sharp commentary on ableism, particularly in Japanese culture, are compelling, the story felt too short. I wished it had been a full-length novel with more room to develop the plot and delve deeper into Shaka’s fascinating perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Minor: Death of parent