Read by Scott Keiji Takeda

From the bestselling 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 fourteen-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. "An expertly told, deeply unsettling tale of adolescent violence." "[In] Heaven, everyday dilemmas provide a forum for examining fundamental questions of power and morality." "Kawakami writes with jagged, visceral beauty about those early antagonists we carry around in our heads, scars we bear into adulthood." "Confirms Kawakami's superb literary ability to expose and disturb…Despite the suffocatingly looming violence, the duo's intense, forced-to-be-mature inner lives will keep readers mesmerized to the final page." "Kawakami is a writer who doesn't shy away from hard truths and painful experiences, so Heaven will not be an easy read, but it's guaranteed to be a rewarding one." "Raw and vivid…[Kawakami's] sensitive, evocative storytelling sets her apart as an incredible literary talent." "A searing account of bullying and adolescent angst…with keen psychological insight, brilliant sensitivity, and compassionate understanding." "In a startlingly graceful way…Kawakami manages to pull us further in, illuminating the perils within the social structures we've been taught to trust." "Kawakami's dialogue delves into the definition of power and nature of child friendships. The result is another spine-tinglingly real novel that will weigh heavy on your heart long after its finish."

Mode of access: World Wide Web