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Heaven

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"Heaven" by Mieko Kawakami is a powerful and disturbing book that delves into the theme of bullying at a middle school. The novel explores the experiences of two victims, a nameless boy with a lazy eye and a girl named Kajima, who form an unlikely friendship born out of suffering and weakness. Through detailed episodes of bullying, the author sheds light on the pain and endurance of the victims, while also providing profound observations on the human condition and the impact of cruelty on individuals.

The writing style of "Heaven" is described as compelling and thought-provoking, with characters that are unique and convincingly portrayed. Mieko Kawakami's narrative not only presents a realistic depiction of bullying but also offers insights into the thoughts and feelings of both victims and bullies. The novel challenges readers to bear witness to discomfort and unease, highlighting the importance of awareness and inspiring change for the betterment of society.

Characters:

The characters are nuanced, showcasing vulnerability and a connection through shared suffering.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simple yet impactful, effectively conveying the emotional weight of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the intense bullying faced by two middle schoolers and their bond that forms in response to trauma.

Setting:

The setting is a Japanese middle school, highlighting the culture of bullying prevalent in that context.

Pacing:

The pacing is tight and intentful, effectively building tension despite being emotionally heavy.
I quickly folded it up and slid it back into my pencil case. Taking a breath, I paused a second before looking around the room as casually as possible. The same group of classmates joking around and h...

Notes:

The novel 'Heaven' by Mieko Kawakami explores intense bullying in a Japanese middle school.
The main character is bullied for having a lazy eye, which leads to a deep sense of isolation.
Heaven illustrates the emotional toll of bullying, leaving readers feeling drained and heartbroken.
The friendship between the two main characters is built on their shared suffering and loneliness.
Kawakami uses letter writing to enhance the emotional connection between characters, highlighting its lost art.
The book's themes revolve around cruelty, resilience, and the power of words.
Some readers found the graphic descriptions of bullying to be almost torturous to read.
Despite the heavy subject matter, some enjoyed the philosophical musings presented in the story.
The book has received mixed reviews, with some readers praising its emotional depth while others found it lacking in resolution.
'Heaven' features strong character development and addresses broader themes of existentialism and morality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Heaven include high levels of bullying, graphic violence, mental health issues, themes of isolation, and emotional distress.

From The Publisher:

'Mieko Kawakami is a genius' - Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times

From the bestselling author of Breasts and Eggs and international literary sensation Mieko Kawakami, comes a sharp and illuminating novel about a fourteen-year-old boy subjected to relentless bullying.

In Heaven, a fourteen-year old boy is tormented for having a lazy eye. Instead of resisting, he chooses to suffer in silence. The only person who understands what he is going through is a female classmate, Kojima, who experiences similar treatment at the hands of her bullies. Providing each other with immeasurable consolation at a time in their lives when they need it most, the two young friends grow closer than ever. But what, ultimately, is the nature of a friendship when your shared bond is terror?

Unflinching yet tender, sharply observed, intimate and multi-layered, this simple yet profound novel stands as yet another dazzling testament to Mieko Kawakami's uncontainable talent. There can be little doubt that it has cemented her reputation as one of the most important young authors at work today.

'An expertly told, deeply unsettling tale of adolescent violence' - Vogue

Translated from the Japanese by David Boyd and Sam Bett.

Ratings (27)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (4)

Reader Stats (56):

Read It (28)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (25)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
3 months

3.5 stars

A 14-year old boy with a lazy eye, called as "Eyes" is bullied in most horrendous ways possible by his classmates. He finds a unique friendship in Kojima, his another classmate who is also a victim of bullying. They write letters to each other which talks about normal stuff in life except the bullying.

"Eyes" and Kojima are both of different background and personality. "Eyes" wants to know why his classmates like bullying but Kojima thinks every suffering has a deeper meaning and value.

This is a chilling and hard hitting novel. The conversation between "Eyes" and one of his bullies about the reason of bullying is something shocking and the bully's mindset was what shook me. I would not say I liked the novel but it is different than what I usually read.

Happy Reading!!

 
 
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