Hooked by Asako Yuzuki: a biting tale of female loneliness and obsession

Loneliness in women is on the rise in Japan, and friendship can help. But in this novel, connection quickly becomes obsession.

By: Nozomi Uematsu, University of Sheffield, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 16, 2026

Words: 987

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Nozomi Uematsu, University of Sheffield

After the sensational reception of her novel Butter (2017, translated into English in 2024), Asako Yuzuki is back with Hooked (translated by Polly Barton) – a novel about loneliness and the sometimes twisted and complicated relationships between women.

The book revolves around two very different women in their 30s in Tokyo. Eriko is a career-driven woman with a stable income in a trading company, born and raised in Tokyo. …

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