Heaven

A Novel

De: Mieko Kawakami

Narrado por: Scott Keiji Takeda

From the best-selling author of Breasts and Eggs and international literary sensation Mieko Kawakami comes a sharp and illuminating novel about the impact of violence and the power of solidarity in our contemporary societies.

Hailed as a bold foray into new literary territory, Kawakami’s novel is told in the voice of a 14-year-old student subjected to relentless torment for having a lazy eye. Instead of resisting, the boy chooses to suffer in complete resignation. The only person who understands what he is going through is a female classmate who suffers similar treatment at the hands of her tormenters.

These raw and realistic portrayals of bullying are counterbalanced by textured exposition of the philosophical and religious debates concerning violence to which the weak are subjected.

Kawakami’s simple yet profound new work stands as a dazzling testament to her literary talent. There can be little doubt that it has cemented her reputation as one of the most important young authors working to expand the boundaries of contemporary Japanese literature.

©2009 Mieko Kawakami. Translation © 2021 by Mieko Kawakami (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Reseñas de la Crítica

Indie Next List

New York Times Pick

Oprah Magazine Pick

Fascinating true narrative about preteen bullying.

A young boy and his girlfriend philosophise about being bullied. Also with his same-age tormentor.

Beautifully written!

Even though how clueless humans can be, the wisdom and power within didn’t give into any of weakness, and that kept helping to seek the light to Heaven.

The cruelty is nearly overwhelming

I rethink my own adolescence and wonder: "Was I ever that cold and unfeeling?" I wasn't physically violent, but yes - in retrospect, there were times I steamrolled more vulnerable kids without realizing at the time I was doing damage to them - not due to physical differences or disabilities, but simply bc I was intellectually smarter (and emotionally chaotic, having been traumatized by abusive parents). I would never have encouraged the boy to avoid a simple operation that would improve his life significantly, as his "friend" did. This book is a very tough listen, but it's an honest one. The narration is VG.

A gentle story about darkness and light

This is the kind of book that makes you look back at the kind of person you were when you grew up. It does not matter whether you were participating or a witness, the thing is you were part of it.

A great book

A wonderful book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found this book relatable and generally well written. I further highly recommend this book.