Heaven : Book review



 

Book Review

 

Title: Heaven

Author: Mieko Kawakami

Genre: Literary Fiction

 

Heaven is a disturbing and painful portrayal of two adolescents who are subjected to bullying. We have our 14-year-old protagonist who is tortured and tormented by his classmates for having a lazy eye. He is kicked, hit, shoved into lockers and forced to eat chalk. And yet our narrator chooses to endure such taunts silently. He is lonely and longs for love and affection. When Kojima- a classmate of his who is also another outcast sends him notes, he begins to cherish that correspondence. Their exchange of notes blooms into a friendship. In each other they find comfort and solace from the pain of being misfits in the society. 

 

The story is narrated in first person from the point of view of the 14-year-old boy. The language is simple in some parts and poetic in places where she blends nature’s descriptions with the emotions of the characters. We get to understand both characters' stifling home environments and dysfunctional families. One of the highlights in the book is the dynamics and dialogue between Kojima and the narrator. We learn about aspects like strengths and weaknesses and signs. There is a higher understanding to pain and suffering which both characters bring to light. Another important arc is the conversation between the narrator and one of bullies. Their confrontation results in addressing the nuances of freedom and what is right or wrong. You may find yourself strongly disagreeing with the ideals of the some of the characters. And yet it makes you realize it takes all sorts to make the world. 

 

It may be interesting to note that author has chosen the title as heaven when the occurrences in the setting of the book is far from it. Which makes you wonder if heaven is state of mind and accepting things as they are. Just like the two main characters do. Bullying is a hateful crime and its appalling to see how it impacts several people. 


Heaven gives a glimpse into how society tends to treat those who are different from the rest. Certain portions tend to remind you of the author's earlier work-Ms Ice Sandwich. The book elicits several emotions. It makes you tearful, helpless and enraged so much that you might want to reach out for that yoga mat. 

 

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