Heaven

The novel "Paradise," whose English translation was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2022, takes place in a Japanese school where a fourteen-year-old boy is subjected to various types of torture at the hands of his classmates because he is cross-eyed. However, the boy calms down and does not resist. He suffers in silence. Kolyma, his classmate, is the only one who understands his suffering because she is also not immune to the bullying and bad treatment of others. They become best friends, comforting each other, and exchanging letters away from each other‘s eyes. But, what is the essence and essence of this friendship if what unites them is fear of others? This novel, despite its apparent ease, has many layers, deep meanings, combines sharpness and tenderness, and provides clear testimony to Mieko Kawakami‘s unparalleled talent, so it is no surprise that he follows her reputation as one of the most prominent young writers today.