Saou Ichikawa's 'Hunchback' Reviewed: Disability, Desire, and Defiance
In Saou Ichikawa's novella 'Hunchback,' readers meet Shaka, a woman in her forties living in a care home near Tokyo due to a congenital muscle disorder. She navigates life with a Yamaha wheelchair and a portable ventilator, expressing herself through erotic fiction and humor-filled tweets that address her physical challenges, sexuality, and social experiences. The narrative takes a turn when Tanaka, a young male caregiver, discloses that he has read all her tweets, fostering a new connection. Ichikawa critiques the publishing industry's ableism, highlighting the struggles of holding a heavy book. The work also explores feminist themes related to reproductive rights and the responsibilities of the wealthy. Shaka aspires to "get pregnant and have an abortion, just like a normal woman." Translated by Polly Barton, the book is available from Penguin for £10.99 (softcover) and will be reviewed in the Spring 2025 issue of ArtReview Asia.
Key facts
- Protagonist Shaka is a woman in her forties with a congenital muscle disorder.
- She lives in a care home outside Tokyo and uses a Yamaha wheelchair and portable ventilator.
- Shaka writes erotic fiction and tweets about her physical limitations, sex, and social surroundings.
- A young male caretaker named Tanaka reveals he has read all her tweets.
- Ichikawa criticizes the publishing industry's apathy towards people with disabilities.
- The novel addresses feminist ideas around reproductive rights and the duties of the rich.
- Shaka's ultimate dream is 'to get pregnant and have an abortion, just like a normal woman.'
- The book is translated by Polly Barton and published by Penguin at £10.99 (softcover).
Entities
Artists
- Saou Ichikawa
- Polly Barton
Institutions
- Penguin
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan