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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
'Heaven' is an unsettling story about two victims of bullying (aged 14) who become friends on the basis of their respective tragedies.
The book explores themes of ableism and classism. It also sets forth two contradictory philosophical arguments regarding the strong trampling over the weak. One suggesting that the hardships of the weak exist for a purpose that can only be understood in retrospect or by a god, and another suggesting that there is no unique reason or purpose for people having challenges and the fact that a person struggles is purely coincidence. It views these arguments under the lens of the poor who struggle to earn yet who's efforts bear no fruit, and the victims of bullying who are suffering the torment of their classmates for no wrong on their part.
Each of the takes on 'purpose' and 'meaning' or the lack thereof, create a different vision of 'Heaven' presented to the reader.
The book explores themes of ableism and classism. It also sets forth two contradictory philosophical arguments regarding the strong trampling over the weak. One suggesting that the hardships of the weak exist for a purpose that can only be understood in retrospect or by a god, and another suggesting that there is no unique reason or purpose for people having challenges and the fact that a person struggles is purely coincidence. It views these arguments under the lens of the poor who struggle to earn yet who's efforts bear no fruit, and the victims of bullying who are suffering the torment of their classmates for no wrong on their part.
Each of the takes on 'purpose' and 'meaning' or the lack thereof, create a different vision of 'Heaven' presented to the reader.
they ARE FOURTEEN
teenagers are so evil
evil evil evil
devastating book i had to skip a lot of gruesome, graphic depictions of bullying
ultimately, the novel poses the question of if suffering bears meaning, or if everything is arbitrary. kawakami is evil
teenagers are so evil
evil evil evil
devastating book i had to skip a lot of gruesome, graphic depictions of bullying
ultimately, the novel poses the question of if suffering bears meaning, or if everything is arbitrary. kawakami is evil
Strange, but interesting to read and try to extract some Japanese culture. A teenage morality tale of sorts. It seems to contrast a philosophy of pure hedonism against one of Zen nonviolent acceptance of abuse. However, the climax does not clearly pick a winner, and the protagonist ends up on neither side although sympathetic to the Zen champion up to then.
Some interesting points of cultural difference:
- parents don't go with their teenagers to the hospital? Apparently they just take the bus
- parents are not portrayed as advocates for their children, nor antagonists. They just seem absent.
Some interesting points of cultural difference:
- parents don't go with their teenagers to the hospital? Apparently they just take the bus
- parents are not portrayed as advocates for their children, nor antagonists. They just seem absent.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Quotes:
Hi. How are you? I said in my last letter that I was having trouble writing in my own voice. I think I know why. It’s my pencil.
I like 6B pencils because they almost never snap. When I was writing, I realized something. Your voice reminds me of a 6B. I'm not sure if this is going to make sense, but it's like they're soft and rigid at the same time. Almost unbreakable.
Sorry for not making sense. Just thought I'd give it a try.
Hi. How are you? I said in my last letter that I was having trouble writing in my own voice. I think I know why. It’s my pencil.
I like 6B pencils because they almost never snap. When I was writing, I realized something. Your voice reminds me of a 6B. I'm not sure if this is going to make sense, but it's like they're soft and rigid at the same time. Almost unbreakable.
Sorry for not making sense. Just thought I'd give it a try.