3 Review(s)

No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai, a post-World War II Japanese novel, is set in a time of confusion, crumbling traditions, and the approach and impact of Western ideas. It is the story of Oba Yozo who feels disconnected from the world around him; wading through life feeling like a loser and a failure. He narrates a seemingly normal life, with its tendernesses and relationships, even while he feels himself incapable of understanding human beings. and their casual cruelties. It is a dark and poignant tale of an intense, ongoing struggle to feel safe in the society of the time. Semi- autobiographical, No Longer Human is still one of the ten bestselling books in JapanThe Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai portrays post-World War Il Japan through the disillusioned eyes of Kazuko, a young woman from a declining aristocratic family. As traditions unravel, Kazuko struggles with her mother's declining health and her brother's self-destructive path, all while questioning societal norms and her role in a changing world. This poignant narrative examines identity, loss, and resilience amid cultural upheaval, capturing the clash between old and new values. Dazai's deeply introspective prose highlights personal and collective struggles, offering a haunting reflection on the fragility of human connections and the search for meaning in turbulent times.