Book Review: Mongrel by Hanako Footman

Mongrel by Hanako Footman captured my attention with its breathtaking cover, with the story inside being just as beautiful. It shares three interweaving narratives: Mei, a British-Japanese teenager who continues to grieve her mother who died when she was a child; Yuki, who moves from Japan to London to follow her dream of being a violinist but is swept up by her older teacher; and Hanako, who works as a hostess in the seedy pockets of Tokyo, coming to terms with her own grief.

Footman is a British Japanese author and actor living in London and it is astounding that this is her debut novel. It’s written with such heart and poignancy, carrying her readers through the emotional journeys of these three women who are all connected by grief. Footman’s writing is both engrossing and beautifully lyrical, often weaving in Japanese language, characters and fairytales. The connection between the three protagonists isn’t immediately clear, however, we see them trying to navigate similar challenges around their identity, grief and longing. As the story progresses, there is a quiet revelation drawing the three women together which is beautifully achieved.

In parts, Mongrel is a deeply sad, tender novel. It explores suffering and trauma at the hands of men, some of whom use their power to constrain the women in the novel. Identity is also a central theme throughout the story. For me, this came across most powerfully  through Mei’s narrative, as she becomes disconnected from her culture after the loss of her mother, feels pressure to suppress her Japanese heritage to fit into Western societal norms, and navigates her sexuality as she discovers she feels a sense of longing towards her best friend Fran. While parts of the story will break your heart, Footman delivers light through the love and compassion of Mei, Yuki and Hanako’s characters.

I feel these characters will stay ingrained in my mind; Footman has really created something remarkable through Mongrel. I’m so looking forward to seeing what Footman has in store for us next. If you have already read Mongrel, we would love to hear your thoughts!

Rating: 4/5

Trigger warning: This novel includes themes of racism and sexual assault.

Purchase a copy of Mongrel by Hanako Footman below or from your favourite bookstore.

Read more of our Book Reviews here.