Heaven: Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize

The novel reads through the voice of a teenager, but it takes an adult to properly feel the transitory, fleeting and painful episode to its fullest. When you’re the age of the main character, it feels like the torment will last forever because of how little of life you have lived. I expect an adult and a teen would read this book so differently and I wish I’d been able to do both.There is no real healing brought about by this book, it’s an honest and brutal depiction yet it ends all too soon and with only the bittersweet vagueness of hope and change.I would like to see the character 20 years on, but that would rob the novel of its episodic nature.The plot is intertwined with stunning visual description and cruel and biting dialogue.If you’re in two minds about buying it, I promise it won’t disappoint you.

This is the second Mieko Kawakami novel I’ve read and while it also focuses on disenfranchised characters like in “Breasts and Eggs”, it moved me a lot more.The narrator is a middle-school boy with a bad squint, who is relentlessly bullied by his classmates, chief amongst them the charismatic Nonomiya, aided by the cool and non-committal Momose, who seems unfazed by what he and his friends are doing to the narrator, whom they call “Eyes”. There is something cold and sinister in his warped reasoning about the bullying, as he blithely explains to the narrator in an encounter later in the book, which makes one wonder about the mindset of bullies.The narrator finds a kindred spirit in another bullied classmate, Kojima, who assures him that “weakness matters… it has real meaning”, which for her validates her suffering and her persistence in keeping an unkempt appearance as a kind of tribute to her estranged and poor father. She reclaims a kind of power by reframing their being bullied as something they let happen, because “we know what’s right. Our will is intact. These guys have so much more to learn”.Through it all, Kawakami never preaches nor does she consciously manipulate the reader to feel a certain way. It is the objective manner in which she deals with the difficult topic of bullying and the way she presents her characters’ bewilderment and struggles to make sense of what is happening to them and to deal with it on their own terms, that tug at our heartstrings.A worthwhile if uncomfortable read.

Could not relate to it. Wrong age group. Teenagers would enjoy probably.

A heart felt story that makes you laugh and cry. It truly explores bullying and the profound affect it has on its victims. I want to know what happens next?

I certainly didn't enjoy this little book - it's far too an uncomfortable a read to make it enjoyable but it is very beautiful and thought provoking. I wanted to point out that it's set in 1991. There would not have been any CCTV cameras in schools at that time as a 1 star review further down points out as the story be very unlikely. I think the 1991 setting is very interesting - no mobile phones or social media, just raw physical bullying. Perfect for mature adults who can identify well with that period. As a mum of 2 very young adult boys who both had nasty experiences at school between the ages of 12 and 16 (especially my one son), I found it very interesting. Of course this book presents extreme physical bullying and my kids were at a very well supported schools. But it was still interesting to draw parallels, especially interesting was the insight of one of the bullies. I think she has written a beautiful book, very visceral and raw but gentle and melodic. I think it's a brave book too and she has been faithful to the Japanese culture.

Beautiful

Hadn’t read much on the subject of bullying, though I did wonder how people can lay such pain on others. Also wondered why the bullied sometimes suffer in silence. This is a pretty fresh and probably unique slant on the matter. Grim at times....as much about friendship as bullying. I like the way Kawakami writes.

This was the first time that I have read a book by Mieko Kawakami, and I absolutely adore her writing. The way this book allows the voices of children going through traumatic experiences to reflect on those experiences and let their voices be heard and experiences to be read. The friendship between the two main characters truly has so much depth and the trauma bond these two characters have been heart-breaking and they are the embodiment of saving each other because they are the only people each other truly has. Kawakami’s writing really sticks out to me because she uses absolutely beautiful imagery to describe such heart-breaking moments throughout the book. This book comes with many trigger warnings because of the experiences of this book being so real and unfortunate so please check them before reading and if you do read this book enjoy the compelling words written on every page by Mieko Kawakami.

lindo.

El libro llegó rápido. La lectura es excelente, es un libro que puedes terminar en un día. La historia es cruda pero te engancha en seguida. Personalmente esperaba que fuera mucho mas trágica a tal punto de llorar pero lejos de ser trágica es impactante por el desarrollo que tiene.

It’s such a great book. It’s a contemporary literature, the message is there, feelings are presented perfectly in the book. I would totally recommend to anyone.

Das wahr für Enkelin für sie ist super

Heaven delves deeply into the intricate dynamics of bullying, exploring the perspectives of both the victim and the perpetrator. Meiko Kawakami's poignant narrative is a thought-provoking journey through the dark realities of human behavior. From the very beginning, the story grips you with its emotional intensity, immersing you in its unsettling atmosphere.There were so many good lines and so many thought provoking conversation about human thinking and why people bully others. Despite being a work of fiction, it felt hauntingly realistic during certain parts.What sets Heaven apart is its portrayal of intricate human emotions, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. It's a compelling read that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.I highly recommend this book. Meiko Kawakami is a literary genius and I cannot wait to read more of her books.!!!!!PLEASE DO CHECK THE TW's FIRST BEFORE READING!!!!!