The Hotel Hokusai

Based on the novel "The Hotel Hokusai" by Gavin Garner, the book follows the story of Han, a Korean eel salesboy, and Archie Nith, an eccentric Glaswegian artist, as they investigate a suspicious drowning in Yokohama Harbour in 1893. The novel is a melting pot of international influence and opportunity in Yokohama, a city that is Japan's portal to the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 18 February 2024
Publisher: Ringwood Publishing

"The Hotel Hokusai" is a remarkable and ambitious debut from a talented new voice. Packed with memorable characters, drama, mystery, and humor, this novel offers a captivating portrayal of Yokohama in the late 19th century. Author Iain Maloney praises it as an impressive and ambitious debut, highlighting the author's talent and ambition.

The novel seamlessly weaves together historical and fictional characters in a compelling whodunnit inspired by Japanese literary "I-novels" and the golden age crime stories beloved by the protagonist, Han. Callum McSorley, another author, praises the book for its skillful portrayal of the feeling of being alone in a foreign country, stating that adaptation is necessary to survive.

In 1893, Yokohama is a bustling hub of international influence and opportunity, serving as Japan's gateway to the world. However, beneath its surface of glamour and excitement, a sense of loneliness and desire permeates the air, masking the emerging stench of death. When a young woman is found drowned in Yokohama Harbour under suspicious circumstances, Han, a downtrodden Korean eel salesboy, is compelled to seek the truth with the help of the eccentric Glaswegian artist Archie Nith.

Written from the perspectives of both Han and Nith, "The Hotel Hokusai" follows their twisting journey as it snakes its way from Yokohama's harbor to its red-light district. The novel delves into the complexities of reality, as the truth is as slippery as a basket of eels. Through their interactions and experiences, the characters confront their own biases, prejudices, and desires, ultimately revealing the darker aspects of human nature.

"The Hotel Hokusai" is a beautifully realized portrait of Yokohama in the late 19th century, filled with memorable characters, intricate plotlines, and a sense of intrigue. It showcases the author's talent for creating vivid and immersive worlds and her ability to engage readers with her storytelling. This debut is a testament to the potential of new voices in the literary landscape and is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who encounter it.

ISBN-13: 9781901514988