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March 13, 2026
Hooked by Asako Yuzuki review
A Tokyo high-flyer tries to befriend her favourite blogger in a novel that wears its aura of black comedy lightly, and its political statements more heavily
TL;DR
- "Hooked" is the follow-up novel by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton.
- The story centers on Eriko, a high-flyer at a seafood company, and Shoko, a "stay-at-home wife" and blogger.
- Eriko develops an unhealthy obsession with Shoko's blog, leading to stalking and blackmail.
- The novel explores themes of loneliness, the anxieties of online life, and societal expectations for women in Japan.
- It contains elements of black comedy and political commentary, particularly on capitalism and misogyny.
- A contrived subplot involves a psychopathic office temp.
- The book does not offer easy answers and ends on a quiet, philosophical note.
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