Scan barcode
jovanas_cloud's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was underwhelming and anticlimactic.
I feel Kojima is the biggest contributor to the things I didn't like in the book. Her philosophy of Heaven, her philosophy on why they're being bullied, her reasons for being dirty, etc. To explain further, I don't understand what she wanted to say with renaming the painting because the actual name felt underwhelming. Her philosophy that they're being bullied because they're allowing it, is true to some extent because they never tried to fight back (which was easier for her to fix). The reason for being dirty, would be a great topic if she got some kind of help. I understand she misses her dad but not performing basic hygiene like showering, washing clothes or just not being dirty in general because she's trying to be closer to her dad who is dirt poor and away working hard, IS A HUGE PROBLEM. It is such a serious problem that she even starts starving herself by the end of the book. I just refuse to believe that her mom didn't intervene in all like she must've smelled her at one point.
Another nonsensical thing I would like to bring up is the nihilistic conversation between the MC and Momose. First of all, not only is so dumb but the big words and theories these 14 year olds are using just seems very unlikely to happen. Like yeah it makes sense that a bully doesn't see why it's wrong to bully others but to have such big philosophy and so many points??
The culmination - I was just waiting for something big and dramatic to happen, it was always so close until it happened and the consequences were anticlimactic.All that happened at the Whale park with Ninomiya bullying them to strip and have sex, and after that Kojima never interacts with the MC again because he wants to get surgery for his eye?? Again she is clinging to the past and to what's comforting to her even if it makes her and other's miserable. She's disappointed because he's doing something to have an easier and more comfortable life when she could do the same more easily and cheaply too.
The last chapter was really underwhelming. I was hoping to get some more results with what happened at school, with Kojima, Ninomiya, and Momose, but got nothing of that sort. Just MC moving forward with his new sight.
I love bullying and trauma bonding works Kawakami somehow managed to get nothing done. The friendship felt rather shallow most of the time, except the gym scenewhere they were wiping MC's blood after he got kicked so hard in the head multiple times because he was a ball. If only Kawakami went deeper and harder, this would've been much better.
I feel Kojima is the biggest contributor to the things I didn't like in the book. Her philosophy of Heaven, her philosophy on why they're being bullied, her reasons for being dirty, etc. To explain further, I don't understand what she wanted to say with renaming the painting because the actual name felt underwhelming. Her philosophy that they're being bullied because they're allowing it, is true to some extent because they never tried to fight back (which was easier for her to fix). The reason for being dirty, would be a great topic if she got some kind of help.
Another nonsensical thing I would like to bring up is the nihilistic conversation between the MC and Momose. First of all, not only is so dumb but the big words and theories these 14 year olds are using just seems very unlikely to happen. Like yeah it makes sense that a bully doesn't see why it's wrong to bully others but to have such big philosophy and so many points??
The culmination - I was just waiting for something big and dramatic to happen, it was always so close until it happened and the consequences were anticlimactic.
The last chapter was really underwhelming. I was hoping to get some more results with what happened at school, with Kojima, Ninomiya, and Momose, but got nothing of that sort. Just MC moving forward with his new sight.
I love bullying and trauma bonding works Kawakami somehow managed to get nothing done. The friendship felt rather shallow most of the time, except the gym scene
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Hate crime, Blood, Bullying, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Sexual harassment, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Eating disorder
Minor: Death
For moderate, ED is not because of issues with body images but a way of coping for the character. Suicidal thoughts are mentioned several times.serinas's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I saw great praise and reviews about Mieko Kawakami's other books, and wanted to read a book of her because of that. I settled on Heaven because of the plot, and it seemed like a short read I could read in one sitting.
Heaven definitely tackles heavy themes that are important to write about, and it was part of the reason why I chose Heaven. I'd recommend to check the TW if you are sensitive to some topics regarding bullying, violence and suicide.
The review
I rated it 3 stars. This was honestly a hard book to rate, as I didn't enjoy it. I don't know if the meaning got lost in the translation, or if I just missed the memo.
I couldn't connect with the characters at all, and I didn't really connect with the way the story was told. I didn't find Heaven that meaningful and deep? Many of the observations and things the MC did was surface level, even when he confronted the bullies. There are definitely allegories, metaphors, and a poetic touch to the writing style, but I still found it very basic. That might just be me, as I had high expectations - and that might be why this was a miss for me.
I always expected the tide to turn, but it never did. Nothing changed throughout the book, not until the end. I'm just left disappointed, which is a shame, as I was super excited about reading Heaven.
The tension that was in the beginning supsided pretty quickly, but I still held on to hope that it might get good again. It didn't, in my opinion. At some point it got weird, theconversation with Momose is a great example. The MC is 14, and the whole conversation seems very unrealistic - the content of the conversation, the way they speak, and the philosophy they share.
The trauma bond was something I thought would be explored in more depth as well, as there was much potential there. This bond had an abrupt ending, and it made sense story-wise, but much of the plot and character development was lost whenthe MC had the conversation about the eye surgery with Kojima (in my opinion).
The ending was fitting, as I interpreted it asa new beginning for the MC where he finally can see the beauty in the world . Still, I wasn't really a huge fan of Heaven unfortunatly.
Heaven definitely tackles heavy themes that are important to write about, and it was part of the reason why I chose Heaven. I'd recommend to check the TW if you are sensitive to some topics regarding bullying, violence and suicide.
The review
I rated it 3 stars. This was honestly a hard book to rate, as I didn't enjoy it. I don't know if the meaning got lost in the translation, or if I just missed the memo.
I couldn't connect with the characters at all, and I didn't really connect with the way the story was told. I didn't find Heaven that meaningful and deep? Many of the observations and things the MC did was surface level, even when he confronted the bullies. There are definitely allegories, metaphors, and a poetic touch to the writing style, but I still found it very basic. That might just be me, as I had high expectations - and that might be why this was a miss for me.
I always expected the tide to turn, but it never did. Nothing changed throughout the book, not until the end. I'm just left disappointed, which is a shame, as I was super excited about reading Heaven.
The tension that was in the beginning supsided pretty quickly, but I still held on to hope that it might get good again. It didn't, in my opinion. At some point it got weird, the
The trauma bond was something I thought would be explored in more depth as well, as there was much potential there. This bond had an abrupt ending, and it made sense story-wise, but much of the plot and character development was lost when
The ending was fitting, as I interpreted it as
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Suicidal thoughts
moongelli's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
3.25
"middle schoolers at their worst"
near-dnf but completed since it was a short read, i saw it to the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Eating disorder, Ableism, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Medical content, Physical abuse, and Classism
Minor: Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Fatphobia, and Vomit
rachellen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
**** SPOILERS AHEAD ****
I really liked this story and the first person perspective that wasn’t too informal.
I was sad that Kojima never took the lead to heaven! (I also only now realise that the lead’s name is never provided, only what his bullies call him, which feels pretty representative of how he feels invisible in the world). Though, this could have been entirely metaphorical and something not fated for their relationship. If the lead followed Kojima directly in her self-destructive rebellions to her bullies and mother/step-father, which to me read sadly as self-harm fuelled by a desire to have some control in her life after her family and bullying situations, he may have truly followed her to heaven but only in death. He contemplates suicide rather seriously, discussing suicidality and suicidal ideation. Both are in tragic situations, but the lead’s decision to discuss his eyes led to their separation, because he wasn’t following Kojima anymore. He often just says yes I understand, without understanding, but not knowing how to express that. I think this was right, to separate, but it was heartbreaking. I wonder whether Kojima receives help.
The relationship between Kojima and the lead narrator is interesting to me, because whilst they found solace in one another’s company I did find that it was under Kojima’s perspective of what terms their relationship required to flourish. I found it really sad that Kojima failed to understand that the lead’s opportunity to receive a medical procedure to improve his eye condition was about his quality of life, to see the word, not metaphorically but in actuality, as everyone else did. It was not just about aesthetics. The lead never looks in the mirror, this saddened me. He frequently mentions how he injures himself due to double vision, his pains, how it affects him. This reminds us of the character’s ages, as though the lead is often remarkably wise or realistic, they both are only children and are attempting to navigate very difficult situations and lives.
It was clear to me that the lead wouldn’t intend to change or ‘become a sheep’ after surgery after his bully tells him that he wasn’t bullied for his eyes, but because he happened to be in their sight. It was apparently just bad luck (which was a horrible gaslighting monologue to read but showed how the bullies did not even care to give a reason nor explanation outside of philosophical drivel that made them feel intelligent to harm weak people in a survival of the fittest sense, which is laughable considering it was 1v5?). It made me sad for Kojima, because she isolated herself from her only friend when he never intended on leaving her. I felt the lead had love for her. Even without his eye condition, he knew he would get bullied or be isolated socially anyway and remain the same as her.
The relationship I truly favoured was that of the lead and his step-mother. They have no blood relation, but do marital, and at first it seems they are rather cold with one another but then you grow to realise that they are actually just remarkably comfortable and similar to one another. When the mother gets hurt, quite badly, she noticeably plays it down and wishes to suffer alone, telling the lead to not tell his dad or accompany her to the hospital. She even laughs during the ordeal, and the lead has to clean the blood up once more. She only accepts company in her suffering when the lead offers to come with her to her sister’s funeral as the father wasn’t going. I couldn’t help but think that the lead learnt a sense of amiability or desire to suffer in silence from the mother and the very absent father. I was happy at her response about the bullying, as the bullies had made him believe he would be fucked to tell anyone, but he was not. In many ways, though dreadful, the climax of the story meant he could not hide what was happening to him anymore. He was forced into daylight. The character feels so very real. I suppose he is existent in many people’s lives.
I really could go on and on, I just found it to be such an interesting read. I recommend ‘Heaven’, as I do any Mieko Kawakami work!
I really liked this story and the first person perspective that wasn’t too informal.
I was sad that Kojima never took the lead to heaven! (I also only now realise that the lead’s name is never provided, only what his bullies call him, which feels pretty representative of how he feels invisible in the world). Though, this could have been entirely metaphorical and something not fated for their relationship. If the lead followed Kojima directly in her self-destructive rebellions to her bullies and mother/step-father, which to me read sadly as self-harm fuelled by a desire to have some control in her life after her family and bullying situations, he may have truly followed her to heaven but only in death. He contemplates suicide rather seriously, discussing suicidality and suicidal ideation. Both are in tragic situations, but the lead’s decision to discuss his eyes led to their separation, because he wasn’t following Kojima anymore. He often just says yes I understand, without understanding, but not knowing how to express that. I think this was right, to separate, but it was heartbreaking. I wonder whether Kojima receives help.
The relationship between Kojima and the lead narrator is interesting to me, because whilst they found solace in one another’s company I did find that it was under Kojima’s perspective of what terms their relationship required to flourish. I found it really sad that Kojima failed to understand that the lead’s opportunity to receive a medical procedure to improve his eye condition was about his quality of life, to see the word, not metaphorically but in actuality, as everyone else did. It was not just about aesthetics. The lead never looks in the mirror, this saddened me. He frequently mentions how he injures himself due to double vision, his pains, how it affects him. This reminds us of the character’s ages, as though the lead is often remarkably wise or realistic, they both are only children and are attempting to navigate very difficult situations and lives.
It was clear to me that the lead wouldn’t intend to change or ‘become a sheep’ after surgery after his bully tells him that he wasn’t bullied for his eyes, but because he happened to be in their sight. It was apparently just bad luck (which was a horrible gaslighting monologue to read but showed how the bullies did not even care to give a reason nor explanation outside of philosophical drivel that made them feel intelligent to harm weak people in a survival of the fittest sense, which is laughable considering it was 1v5?). It made me sad for Kojima, because she isolated herself from her only friend when he never intended on leaving her. I felt the lead had love for her. Even without his eye condition, he knew he would get bullied or be isolated socially anyway and remain the same as her.
The relationship I truly favoured was that of the lead and his step-mother. They have no blood relation, but do marital, and at first it seems they are rather cold with one another but then you grow to realise that they are actually just remarkably comfortable and similar to one another. When the mother gets hurt, quite badly, she noticeably plays it down and wishes to suffer alone, telling the lead to not tell his dad or accompany her to the hospital. She even laughs during the ordeal, and the lead has to clean the blood up once more. She only accepts company in her suffering when the lead offers to come with her to her sister’s funeral as the father wasn’t going. I couldn’t help but think that the lead learnt a sense of amiability or desire to suffer in silence from the mother and the very absent father. I was happy at her response about the bullying, as the bullies had made him believe he would be fucked to tell anyone, but he was not. In many ways, though dreadful, the climax of the story meant he could not hide what was happening to him anymore. He was forced into daylight. The character feels so very real. I suppose he is existent in many people’s lives.
I really could go on and on, I just found it to be such an interesting read. I recommend ‘Heaven’, as I do any Mieko Kawakami work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Blood
nooni56's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
“A time will come when everything will be clear. Even the other kids will understand. A time will come, I’m sure of it, when everything will be alright.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Bullying, and Blood
pipe_dream's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Ableism, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Violence, Physical abuse, Bullying, Blood, Body shaming, and Suicidal thoughts
ulyazmh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Blood and Suicidal thoughts
ts_anne13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Eating disorder and Sexual content
luciebonk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Classism
alissa_lopez's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely beautiful, heart breaking, soul stirring book. It has been quite a long time since I have read a book like this. Mieko's writing is so beautiful and descriptive. One of very few books that I read bit, by bit, so that it would last longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Blood, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, and Ableism
Moderate: Abandonment
This book is chiefly about bullying and may be triggering for those who have experienced bullying - particularly bullying that is rooted in ableism.