In Hunchback, Shaka, a young disabled writer, escapes the confines of her care home room by writing erotic fiction and studying for her second degree. More than anything, Shaka wants to have an abortion, but first she needs a sperm donor. Hunchback is a short novel, a novella really, but so much feeling is packed into one hundred short pages. It’s strange, dark, sad, funny, angry, gritty, gross and courageous. There’s not a word wasted, and though it didn’t need a page more, I would have read another two hundred gladly. The way Ichikawa writes the body, grotesquely and without flinching, is equal parts unsettling and beautiful. She intends to disturb the reader with the reality that disabled people are sexual too (!!!) Came here with the intention of giving it four stars but I’ve talked myself into five! Recommended to anyone who likes that wonderfully weird litfic that Japanese authors do so well.

This was really thought provoking and made you think of how different life can be for someone with a disability. Beautifully written, with hints of darkness. It is something that will stay on my mind for weeks/ months to come. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books for an advanced copy for an honest review.

A small but intense volume, looking at disability, sexuality as well as the unfairness of inequality. Shaka, our narrator, is so vividly real, and she is so apologetically herself. The fact that we get to glimpse her real inner thoughts, when of course she has her outward persona is much more ‘respectable’ is also fascinating. Easily read in one sitting, and, honestly, you’ll probably want to if only because Shaka’s voice implores you to listen.

I read this in one afternoon, but I feel like it will stay with me for a long time! It definitely made me think of disabled bodies in a different way and Ichikawa’s experiences really came through strongly

This is an incredibly short book but packs an incredible punch. It explores so many ideas around disability, financial privilege, otherness, desire, hatred, and storytelling, and they're all effortlessly woven between moments of dark humour and grounded in the everyday reality of a narrator who is vivid and honest. I can see why this book will be divisive as it's uncomfortable and confronting, often directly calling on the reader to consider their judgements and preconceptions. It left me wanting more (in the best way) and I will be thinking about it for a long time! Thanks to the publishers for the review copy