What a brilliant woman - I love that I have got a book rec out of this too! 'No Ones Perfect' by Ototake sounds very intriguing, especially if it contrasts the tone of Hunchback so much, I need to read it now to compare!
Thank you fot this interview! I think books like this are essential to show that people with disabilities have nuances and different personalities just like everyone else. Ichikawa is tremendously talented! I hope she keeps writing.
Thank you Amani! I think you'd love this book - as a fellow disabled girl, I'd looove to hear what you have to say about and how it made you feel. It's discussion of desire is really powerful.
Great interview. I know you can't talk about the end of the book in an interview like this, but I'm also interested in the author's choice there and how it changes or illuminates the themes you asked her about.
Thank you Geoff!! Haha yes, I would have loved to have asked a question about the end. I think there are hints in the answers the author gives that illuminate what I would assume her answer could be re her choice in the ending. But yes - in an ideal world, I would love for us all to have an answer about the ending because that is, in my opinion, the power of the whole story. If the lives of disabled people are discussed with such a tone of disposability, why not do the same for other life? Is the messaging that by taking another life, she gains hers?
My friend! Interviewing a famous author who is she! Next thing I know you’ll be on TV interviewing a Nobel Prize for Literature winner. Really great interview, Martha! And really smart questions. I haven’t read Hunchback yet but hoping to get my hands on it soon.
Jam! This comment is so sweet and it made me laugh - thank you!! You have big dreams for me 😉 I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview - I hope you can get your hands on it soon too! I'd love to hear what you think of it!
This was such a great conversation!! So many insightful questions and Ichikawa’s response made me really want to dive into the novella. It has now made its way to my bedside table!
Thank you Nic! I am envious that you get to go into reading the novel after having read this interview - I would've loved that for my own reading experience! I think Saou's answers will definitely shape how you read it - in a good way. I can't wait to hear what you think! Honoured its now officially on the bedside table!
I really enjoyed this conversation, Martha. Haven't even read the book yet (its on my shelf, though) but I'm super intrigued by the themes explored, especially with this added context. I'm also all for morally ambiguous female characters- especially ones from marginalised communities. I think there's a power to that.
What a brilliant woman - I love that I have got a book rec out of this too! 'No Ones Perfect' by Ototake sounds very intriguing, especially if it contrasts the tone of Hunchback so much, I need to read it now to compare!
Thank you so much for your briliant work, Martha—I loved having you on Books+Bits ✨
Thank you for having me! I loved being on Books+Bits 💖
Love love love! Great work Martha!
Thank you Kolina! 🩷🩷🩷
Loved reading this interview - fantastic questions from Martha and wonderful insight from Saou Ichikawa.
Thank you!
Thank you fot this interview! I think books like this are essential to show that people with disabilities have nuances and different personalities just like everyone else. Ichikawa is tremendously talented! I hope she keeps writing.
Thank you Mumi! I couldn't agree more, on everything you've said x
Incredible, can't wait to read.
Thank you Amani! I think you'd love this book - as a fellow disabled girl, I'd looove to hear what you have to say about and how it made you feel. It's discussion of desire is really powerful.
Great interview. I know you can't talk about the end of the book in an interview like this, but I'm also interested in the author's choice there and how it changes or illuminates the themes you asked her about.
Thank you Geoff!! Haha yes, I would have loved to have asked a question about the end. I think there are hints in the answers the author gives that illuminate what I would assume her answer could be re her choice in the ending. But yes - in an ideal world, I would love for us all to have an answer about the ending because that is, in my opinion, the power of the whole story. If the lives of disabled people are discussed with such a tone of disposability, why not do the same for other life? Is the messaging that by taking another life, she gains hers?
What does it mean about who is telling whose story?
My friend! Interviewing a famous author who is she! Next thing I know you’ll be on TV interviewing a Nobel Prize for Literature winner. Really great interview, Martha! And really smart questions. I haven’t read Hunchback yet but hoping to get my hands on it soon.
Jam! This comment is so sweet and it made me laugh - thank you!! You have big dreams for me 😉 I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview - I hope you can get your hands on it soon too! I'd love to hear what you think of it!
This was such a great conversation!! So many insightful questions and Ichikawa’s response made me really want to dive into the novella. It has now made its way to my bedside table!
Thank you Nic! I am envious that you get to go into reading the novel after having read this interview - I would've loved that for my own reading experience! I think Saou's answers will definitely shape how you read it - in a good way. I can't wait to hear what you think! Honoured its now officially on the bedside table!
I really enjoyed this conversation, Martha. Haven't even read the book yet (its on my shelf, though) but I'm super intrigued by the themes explored, especially with this added context. I'm also all for morally ambiguous female characters- especially ones from marginalised communities. I think there's a power to that.
There is nothing quite like a morally ambiguous marginalised female character - I hope we get to see many many more. There IS a power to it.
Lastly, I'm so happy translated fiction is having a moment too! We're all the better for it.
We really are all better for it
Thank you Tracy!! And I agree - so very important ❤️