BOOKS FROM JAPANHeaven
Description:
"Shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize. From the bestselling author of Breasts and Eggs and international literary sensation Mieko Kawakami, a sharp and illuminating novel about the impact of violence and the power of solidarity. A bold foray into new literary territory, Kawakami’s novel is told in the voice of a 14-year-old student subjected to relentless torment for having a lazy eye. Instead of resisting, the boy chooses to suffer in complete resignation. The only person who understands what he is going through is a female classmate who suffers similar treatment at the hands of her tormentors. These raw and realistic portrayals of bullying are counterbalanced by textured exposition of the philosophical and religious debates concerning violence to which the weak are subjected. Heaven stands as a dazzling testament to Kawakami’s literary talent. There can be little doubt that it has cemented her reputation as one of today’s most important young authors working to expand the boundaries of contemporary Japanese literature. A New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, Oprah Daily, CNN, Bustle, and Ms. Magazine most anticipated book of the year. A June 2021 Indie Next Pick."--
Reviews:
(1 month ago) |
14 Aug, 2025
i went into this book with 0 expectation, other than the fact i loved kawakami’s Breast and Eggs, and was neutral to her Ms Icecream Sandwich. safe to say, she works for me more than she doesn’t
the subject matter is bullying, graphic bullying, and how the two victims survive through it. (side note i didn’t realize the main character was a boy until 25% of the way through?) the book tackles different coping mechanisms and how their bullying effects their other relationships and their sense of self
if i were to nitpick, which i need to stop doing, there was one part where the bully was justifying why he does what he does. it put me off a bit—not because i disagreed with him, i can disagree with someone and still see how it has a place in a story—but because there is no person on this planet earth (mind you a 13/14 year old boy) who would think the way the bully does. although i suppose it’s for themes or whatever
i also wish the book was longer and went way more in-depth with the mental state of the main character, even switch perspectives to the other bully victim. i really liked seeing MC interact with the adults in his life because it really exposed his mental state
all in all great book, and a quick read, although quite disturbing
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