Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Heaven

Hmm. - I know that’s not a good sign to start that way, but I feel sort of conflicted (not that reviewing sth is that big a deal, I just want to do it justice if that makes sense). I had been looking forward to reading this while knowing that it had been described as a tough read. To say the least, imo. There’s a sort of nonchalant, reasoning/rationale to the writing. A detachment if you will. And it’s written in first person which says a lot about how this boy is attempting to distance himself from what is happening to him but also how his emotional state has been neglected and damaged by everything that has happened to him. There is no real “connection” to other ppl until he meets Kojima (which is what made me want to continue reading).
It’s important to be prepared as a reader for the disturbing bullying (violence) that is happening - especially bc of the way that is is endless and speaks volumes on neglect in general.

when he speaks to Momose and his pov is that “nothing matters” and that he doesn’t care when it is “unrelated” to him is so heartbreakingly true in the sense that some ppl are just not able to emotionally and empathetically understand that words and actions have consequences. That we can never see eye to eye with everyone even when it comes to things that are incredibly reasonable to some of us that you don’t treat others as they do in this book.

Content Warnings

laurenboisset's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

this is one of the most disturbing books i’ve ever read and yet i feel weirdly seen by it - my sad teenage self (not that my pain was directly 100% comparable to the protagonist’s) is looking out from the me of today and is kind of relieved that someone understands

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jamievincent's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The strength of this novel lies in its character’s interpersonal relationships or lack thereof. Humanity seeps through every page, even when the novel makes you question if that’s a good or bad thing.

This is an amazing quick read that manages the careful balance of asking questions about life, death, and morality while being told through the perspective of a child believably. I would highly recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking it up as it does get incredibly heavy at some points. I will definitely be reading more by Mieko Kawakami.

Content Warnings