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ramreadsagain 's review for:
Mongrel
by Hanako Footman
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Mongrel instantly capivated me and I am truly blown away by this debut (!). It follows three Japanese women and girls as they grapple with their sense of belonging and heritage in a world that doesn't seem built for them. Footman's prose is magical and evoking, an absolute joy to read, and this book has brought me the closest to crying I've been so far this year, with a bittersweet ending and a slow yet steady rollercoaster of emotions along the way.
The writing and events are often raw and violent but in a way that did not come across as gratuitous to me. Her razor-sharp depictions of misogyny and racism, how bodies are colonised and discarded, and the drive to find identity and belonging, will stay with me for a long time. I'm so happy to have read this book and also delighted that it is on the Waterstones Debut Fiction shortlist.
This book carries a strong love for Japan and its culture, and I loved the casual inclusion of the Japanese language, contrasted with the way Footman unflinchingly depicts the struggles of having dual heritage and how isolating that can be.
Overall this will easily make it into my top 10 of the year, and I can't wait to see what Footman writes next.
So grateful to Footnote Press for sending me a copy of this book! The above is my honest review.
The writing and events are often raw and violent but in a way that did not come across as gratuitous to me. Her razor-sharp depictions of misogyny and racism, how bodies are colonised and discarded, and the drive to find identity and belonging, will stay with me for a long time. I'm so happy to have read this book and also delighted that it is on the Waterstones Debut Fiction shortlist.
This book carries a strong love for Japan and its culture, and I loved the casual inclusion of the Japanese language, contrasted with the way Footman unflinchingly depicts the struggles of having dual heritage and how isolating that can be.
Overall this will easily make it into my top 10 of the year, and I can't wait to see what Footman writes next.
So grateful to Footnote Press for sending me a copy of this book! The above is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer