Press & Events

‘Sensational books transcend the very form they elevate by delivering a purity of thought with seeming effortlessness and here, in Mongrel, Hanako Footman conveys the truth of the world in lucid but spinning, transcendental sentences. It’s so beautiful that I became lost in it, and I can’t find the right words because they are all in this book. Simply, it must be read' – Lisa Taddeo, author of THREE WOMEN and ANIMAL

‘Mongrel is a hypnotic, haunting exploration of identity and womanhood. A darkly lush tale of three women in search of connection' – Charmaine Wilkerson, author of BLACK CAKE

‘Mongrel is a stunning read. A brilliant explosion of writing and storytelling with one of the most unique and powerful voices I’ve come across in an author. This feels like reading an Oscar-winning film’ – Aisling Bea

‘Fearless and deeply felt. Footman’s writing is raw and spiky, yet lyrical and tender – underpinned by bold questions of grief, race, and what it means to live a life on one’s own terms. A devastating and compassionate novel, in which every page brims with complex, beautiful life' – Ian Russell-Hsieh, author of I’M NEW HERE

‘Heart-shatteringly visceral and precise, Mongrel gives voice to generations of women living on the margins. An urgent story of sexual politics, identity and knowledge but ultimately a triumphant tribute to the self' – Wiz Wharton, author of GHOST GIRL, BANANA

‘A sublime and deeply moving mediation on belonging and home, Mongrel resonates with poetic clarity, offering in each line searing and yet familiar truths. Read it now. This compulsive, engrossing, and gorgeous debut will utterly consume you' – Stephanie Scott, author of WHAT’S LEFT OF ME IS YOURS, shortlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award

‘Dark, sometimes tender, sometimes visceral, Mongrel draws on the complications that arise from power imbalance and cultural collisions. Footman draws us into the devastating worlds of three young women, illuminating their stories with her simple, clear words, while unflinchingly exploring the way identity and belonging shapes them. A beautiful debut' – Helena Lee, editor of EAST SIDE VOICES

‘A beautiful, haunting debut. Hanako Footman’s writing is sensuous and evocative. Her characters are vividly sketched and complex. This book will stay with you' – Nell Hudson, author of JUST FOR TODAY

‘An exploration of that fragile intersection between grief and desire. Poetic and razor-sharp, Mongrel is about longing in all forms; to be seen, to be known and to be loved’ – Eliza Moss