Mongrel by Hanako Footman - October ESEA Book Club

We’re excited to share that Hanako Footman will be joining us for a special conversation on her acclaimed debut novel Mongrel. Together, we’ll explore the inspirations behind the book, its themes of identity, belonging and heritage, and what lies ahead for her writing journey.

​Date & Time: Saturday 25 October, 11am to 2pm

Location: West London

​There are 2 parts to the event, starting off with a readers discussion of the book — get to know fellow readers and think about questions for Hanako — followed by Q&A with Hanako herself! Bring your book along to get them signed!

​We’re also offering readers 10 per cent off Mongrel at £9 (RP £9.99) with tracked shipping at £2.99. Please select the relevant option when securing your spot. Do provide your mailing address at the check-out page. It'd be be shipped out within 3 working days of your purchase.

​About the book

Mei loses her Japanese mother at age six. Growing up in suburban Surrey, she yearns to fit in, suppressing not only her heritage but her growing desire for her best friend Fran.

​Yuki leaves the Japanese countryside to pursue her dream of becoming a concert violinist in London. Far from home and in an unfamiliar city, she finds herself caught up in the charms of her older teacher.

​Haruka attempts to navigate Tokyo’s nightlife and all of its many vices, working as a hostess in the city’s sex district. She grieves a mother who hid so many secrets from her, until finally one of those secrets comes to light . . .

​Shifting between three intertwining narratives, Mongrel reveals a tangled web of desire, isolation, belonging and ultimately, hope. (Footnote Press)

​About the author

Hanako Footman is a British-Japanese author and actor. She grew up in Wimbledon and trained at LAMDA. She now lives in Dalston, East London. As a child she spent her school holidays in Japan, at her grandmother’s house by the sea. She tries to go back whenever she can. Hanako’s debut novel Mongrel was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize in 2024.

​Available from £9.99 from Waterstones. 352 pages.

​Direct all questions to eseabookclub@gmail.com.

​🎟️ Tickets are non-refundable and cover facilitation and platform costs. Please consider before purchasing. A PDF copy of the book is available upon request after ticket purchase.

​​🤐 Spoiler alert: We encourage you to read the book before attending!

👥 Please note that this space is reserved for women, trans, non-binary, and genderqueer folk.

If costs are a barrier for you, drop us an email and we'll see what can be done.

Book your tickets here