A review by sofiadanielle
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

challenging dark 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? Yes

3.5

A challenging read to get through despite the novel’s short length. The content was heavy, and if you don’t like depictions of violence/harm (in the sense of physical bullying), you won’t like this book. 

I don’t think I quite grasped the deeper meaning to what Kawakami wrote, though my heart ached for the two main characters; more so, I felt myself angered by the kids around them and how they were treated. 

Between Kojima and Momose’s worldviews, I found myself.. A little torn? I don’t really entirely believe either one of them, nor do I know how I feel about their sentiments on a deeper level.
 
I wish I could say I enjoyed the book more, but aside from feeling challenged/sad/angered by the content, I feel that the book missed its mark with me. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings