Heaven

Mieko Kawakami • 2021

Overview

Set in a Japanese middle school, the novel follows an unnamed boy targeted by relentless bullying. A chance message from a classmate, a girl who suffers the same cruelty, sparks a cautious friendship. Through letters and secret meetings they trade stories, dreams and fragile hopes, searching for a way to endure the violence around them. Kawakami’s spare prose keeps the focus on emotional truth rather than melodrama, letting small gestures carry weight. The result is a restrained yet powerful exploration of pain, resilience and the need for connection.

Who it's for

• Readers who value character-driven literary fiction
• Those interested in contemporary Japanese voices
• Book clubs seeking discussion on bullying and empathy

Key features

• Language: English
• Format: paperback
• Shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize
• Translated from the Japanese by Sam Bett and David Boyd