'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.
Translation © 2021 by Mieko Kawakami
Marie
24.2.2024
"Heaven" follows the story of two high school students in Japan - the popular and athletic Kojima and the main character, known only as "Eyes," who is an outcast and victim of bullying. The novel explores the complex relationship that develops between the two characters as they bond over their shared experiences of trauma and search for a sense of identity and belonging. The story is heartbreaking and sometimes truly hard to read, because you can almost feel their pain through the pages. Kojima's trauma stems from a video of him being sexually assaulted, which was circulated online and led to him being bullied by his peers. On the other hand, Eyes' trauma is related to the ongoing physical and emotional abuse she experiences at the hands of her classmates. Despite their different experiences of trauma, the shared experience of pain creates a sense of understanding and empathy between the two characters. Their trauma affects their connection in various ways. Both characters struggle with trust and vulnerability, but they are also able to connect on a deep level because of their shared experiences. Their trauma creates a sense of emotional intimacy and understanding that allows them to open up to each other. I think Kojima and Eyes share some similarities in their experiences, such as their search for identity and their desire for acceptance. However, they also have differences in their coping mechanisms. Kojima tries to mask his pain and put on a brave face, while Eyes internalizes her pain and withdraws from others. It is their fascinating relationship that is he most interesting aspect with "Heaven". As the story progresses, their relationship becomes complicated as Kojima's shame and guilt over his assault begin to consume him, leading him to push Eyes away. This is certainly not a happy read as the book explores the darkness of the human mind. I personally think you should have a good day to even bother to get into this book, because it is sometimes really painful and hard to read mentally. In summary, the book is well written and the author really makes you reflect - but I miss a few more bright "spots" in the plot, I need more hope. When I look hard, I do find some hope though: the bond that develops between Kojima and Eyes. Despite the challenges they face, both characters find a sense of healing and closure in each other's company. Another source of hope in the story may be the characters' journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance. The novel shows (a little bit) that it is possible for people to change and for new relationships to form. Through the characters' experiences, the novel suggests that even in the face of difficulty and pain, there is always the possibility for growth, healing, and hope. But the thing is, during the reading I was lacking motivation to want to read any further because you completely lose faith in people, in young people, as the focus on bullying becomes so overwhelming. Where is the balance in the narrative? In my opinion, the friendship between the characters does not give enough hope in the story. Unfortunatey the story in "Heaven" gets way too uncomfortably disturbing for my taste. 3 stars