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A review by zaiphon
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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
3.5
"Heaven," a thought-provoking Japanese translated novel, delves into themes of coming of age, bullying, and the search for belonging, all while exploring the beauty of existence, even in solitude. As someone who has consumed a decent amount of Japanese media but is still new to reading Japanese translated novels, I found this book both accessible and deeply impactful.
The story compels us to reflect on the nature of humanity, prompting questions about the motivations behind cruelty and the desperate quest for understanding the "whys" of the world, as exemplified by our nameless narrator.
Through the lens of adolescence, the novel invites readers to analyze the internal "heaven" that each character seeks while navigating the complexities of life. The development of the two main characters is worthy to call out and applaud; however I still found myself wishing the story could have explored them further.
Overall, "Heaven" is a quick but insightful read that I did enjoy.
The story compels us to reflect on the nature of humanity, prompting questions about the motivations behind cruelty and the desperate quest for understanding the "whys" of the world, as exemplified by our nameless narrator.
Through the lens of adolescence, the novel invites readers to analyze the internal "heaven" that each character seeks while navigating the complexities of life. The development of the two main characters is worthy to call out and applaud; however I still found myself wishing the story could have explored them further.
Overall, "Heaven" is a quick but insightful read that I did enjoy.