Heaven
Books | Fiction / General
3.9
(224)
Mieko Kawakami
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZEFrom 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
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More Details:
Author
Mieko Kawakami
Pages
190
Publisher
Europa Editions
Published Date
2021
ISBN
1609456211 9781609456214
Community ReviewsSee all
"A distressing coming of age story with characters incessantly bullied, but the luminous humanity that shows up throughout is just beautiful. "
C
CaitVD
"I’d give it 2.5 stars out of 5 if I could….it’s just not for me. Too slow. A lot of philosophizing about bullies, being bullied, why things happen, why people do what they do. The monologues some of the kids go on are just not believable/realistic considering they are supposed to be 13 years old or so. "
Ruth S.
"A disturbing slow burn about bullying and perspective. It’s to the point and doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of bullying and how it can affect how one navigates their entire existence. The ending is both somber and uplifting, you can feel the characters growth. The religious and philosophical conversations are thought provoking and raw. A short but valuable read. "
Emily
"This book needs trigger warnings but like trigger warning for depression, suicidal thoughts, heavy bullying and violence but I was so convinced this was a fluffy story about two people who over come bullying because I went in blind it is not at all this is a sad book with an upsetting ending "
Tomie
"It was a good and heartbreaking story however, some of the conversations seemed unrealistic considering their ages. And the story seemed a little unfinished. "
Jalisa
"so i guess i’m the only comment talking about how much i disliked this book. honestly in the beginning, it was fine. i actually enjoyed it. but towards the end it was completely unnecessary and ridiculous in my opinion. and the characters ages seemed older than what they actually were. overall i would give this book a 3/10. towards the end of the book just really ruined it for me."
trinity!
"Honestly when I read it was about bullying , i thought it would be light. It got very intense and it was not expected. 10/10 would recommend reading "
E J
Emily Johnson
"It wonderfully written and I absolutely loved it and all the characters motivations and feelings were shown in such refreshing and new way, even though it’s mostly heartbreak for most of it, it has a bittersweet and nostalgic tone to it as well"
Sarah Vanhove
