Shaka Isawa’s spine is twisted so deeply that her lungs struggle to take in oxygen. She uses an electric wheelchair most of the time. Shaka gets paid to write erotica online and studies at university, both from the privacy of her own room. She is the owner of the care facility that she resides in, thanks to her wealthy parents, and donates all of the money she makes from her writing to food banks and shelters. She secretly posts her deepest, darkest wishes under a pseudonym online: she would like to experience an abortion.

The beginning of this book was so well written that I thought I had downloaded the wrong file! Each element of this story was expertly crafted and expertly interwoven throughout the text. The story prods the reader into considering the current climate for disabled people, and how poorly constructed our current society is. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, especially able-bodied people with no experience of physical disability.

4/5 stars

This was a short yet not easy read! It was the first time I read from the POV of a heavily physically disabled person, and was really insightful to read about her daily life, thoughts and struggles, with the Japanese culture backdrop added in as well. Fascinating and very necessary novel!

I can see this being a polarising book. For me it was a fascinating read, both a realistic portrayal of a disabled person and the small glimpse into Japanese culture. I want to read from this author again.