Hunchback

by Saou Ichikawa
Hunchback cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 3893
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781405967136
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-03-06
  • Reviews: 3

Born with a congenital muscle disorder, Shaka Isawa navigates life from her care home, expressing herself through online platforms and provocative storytelling. Her world is upended when a new male carer reveals he has read her explicit and outrageous posts, leading to an indecent proposal that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries. /n/n Acclaimed as one of the most important Japanese novels of the twenty-first century, Hunchback offers a raw and unflinching look into the life of a woman often overlooked by society. With humor and frankness, the novel delves into themes of desire, darkness, and the suppressed voices of those at humanity's edge.

Reviews
Asymptote Journal · 2025-06-09
Impressive 4.50

The reviewer praises the book's thematic depth and pacing.

The book is described as covering vast thematic ground in an impressive show of economy and precision. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to balance racy pacing with deep emotional resonance. The narrator's voice is particularly praised for its uniqueness and strength.

Quick quotes

    In less than 120 pages, Hunchback covers vast thematic ground in an impressive show of economy and precision.

    Ichikawa sets a racy pace right from the start.

    The narrator's voice is unique and strong.

The Guardian · Justine Jordan · 2025-03-07
Compelling 3.50

The reviewer finds the book compelling but has some reservations about its execution.

The book is described as a titillating story that explores themes of desire and identity. The reviewer praises the narrator's voice but finds some elements of the plot to be thin. Overall, the book is seen as a bold and unapologetic exploration of its themes.

Quick quotes

    It begins with a titillating story about a visit to a sex club, written by our narrator, Shaka, from her room in the care home set up by her...

    The book is a bold and unapologetic exploration of desire and identity.

    The reviewer finds some elements of the plot to be thin.

Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2023-06-22
Superb 4.50

The reviewer loved the book and praises its contemporary Japanese literature.

The reviewer describes the book as contemporary Japanese literature at its finest. They praise the protagonist, Shaka, as dynamic, fascinating, and not at all stereotypical. The book is seen as a standout in its genre.

Quick quotes

    I loved this book.

    This is contemporary Japanese literature at its finest.

    Shaka is a dynamic, fascinating and not at all stereotypical...

Appears in Lists