Saou Ichikawa, the author of Hunchback, recently discussed his inspirations and the writing process behind the novel, which has been longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025. Ichikawa aimed to explore truths about life as a disabled person that were often overlooked in previous narratives. He wrote the book in a month, drawing from his personal experiences and historical studies in disability without conducting formal research. Ichikawa highlighted that his protagonist, Shaka, represents a character type not previously explored in literature.
Read More
Ichikawa also shared his reading influences, noting his love for Michael Bond's A Bear Called Paddington and Enid Blyton’s St Clare’s series, which sparked his passion for reading. His early writing career was focused on romance novels, heavily imitating Dostoevsky’s The Idiot, a book he hopes to revisit in a new light.
Another significant work for Ichikawa is Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, which changed his worldview, teaching him that a perfect life or character does not rely on a single correct path. He also recommended Ashihei Hino’s book Wheat and Soldiers, originally translated into English in 1939, as a valuable narrative reflecting life in Japan during conscription.
Polly Barton, the translator of Hunchback, expressed her view on the urgency of the text, calling it cinematic and rich in imagery. Her translation process involved ensuring the language captured the book's vividness and emotional nuances. Barton recalled her own reading journey beginning with Enid Blyton’s The Very Big Secret, which highlighted fiction's immersive qualities.
While Barton has not been inspired directly to translate by existing translations, she admires the works of other translators, particularly Julia Sanches. Currently, she is reading You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrique and appreciates its engaging start with an author’s note to the translator.
Regarding translated fiction’s appeal, Barton observed that it offers fresh perspectives and storytelling approaches that can resonate with readers seeking new experiences beyond familiar narratives.