A review by annagerman
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-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

Such a tender exploration of pain and suffering, free will and empathy. The writing was sparse but exact and unflinching. The description of violence were so painful to read, but the author never relyed on graphic details or gore for shock value.
The characters were realistic and well-developed, Momose's character managed to creep me throughly with just one scene.

There were some element of magical realism\train-of-though-visions in the panultimate chapter, which you encounted sometimes in japanese literature (specificaly reminded me of the ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion) and I don't necessarily love, I felt like it was too disjointed, but it was just a small bit.
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