Kawakami has crafted a truly heart-wrenching story that examines morality, power, and the perspectives of cruelty. Set in a toxic school environment filled with bullying and cruelty, Kawakami wonders at the arguments victims and perpetrators craft to feel secure in the social role they inhabit, in such an extreme power imbalance. Many passages were hard for me to read—the violence done to the main character and his friend was astounding, and the arguments they made for why they deserved it, or how it would strengthen their character pained me. I wanted to run into the pages to help them, but alas, the barrier between realities separated us.

This is also a sweet story of friendship between two outcasts, showing their strength, loyalty and solidarity in the face of the callous brutality of their tormentors. Their summer together outside of school was a bright beam of light in the middle of darkness. It was beautiful see how their friendship evolved over the course of a year or so.

Kawakami examines the minutiae of Japanese society, bringing importance and potency to what could be called a small story. Her insight is unparalleled. This will be one of my favorites of her work alongside Breasts and Eggs. While the subject matter is harsh, I am happy to have finally read this. Superb.