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rxbyjxwels's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A man having thoughts I had when I was 12 and being really sad about it.
cataguilar's review against another edition
4.0
I really can't put into words how the book made me feel. It was a difficult read (in terms of writing), but also because of the bleak subject matter. I was surprised to have related a lot with Yozo, but you know without the morphine and alcohol addictions and other weird shit. But yeah, overall very insightful (not sure if that's the right word for this feeling I have).
jslamas's review
4.0
The story follows the life of Yozo Oba, a young man who appears on the surface to be charming and carefree but is plagued by a deep sense of alienation and despair. Through Yozo's first-person narrative, Dazai skillfully delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, chronicling his struggles with social conformity, addiction, and the ceaseless quest for identity. Yozo's inability to connect with others and his self-destructive tendencies serve as a harrowing mirror reflecting the isolation and alienation many individuals grapple with in their own lives.
Dazai's prose is both haunting and poetic, inviting readers into the mind of a profoundly troubled protagonist. The novel's introspective style allows for an intimate exploration of Yozo's inner world, making it easy to empathize with his pain and turmoil. The narrative, though at times bleak and unsettling, is undeniably compelling, drawing the reader deeper into Yozo's descent into self-destruction.
"No Longer Human" offers a poignant commentary on the masks we wear in society, the relentless pursuit of normalcy, and the disintegration of the self in the face of societal pressures. While the story may be emotionally taxing, it prompts profound reflections on the human experience and the lengths to which people will go to fit into a world that often feels foreign and unforgiving.
In conclusion, "No Longer Human" is a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers for its unflinching examination of human suffering and the search for belonging. Osamu Dazai's ability to capture the complexities of the human psyche and the societal forces that shape our lives makes this novel a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature. While it may not be an easy read due to its somber themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.
Dazai's prose is both haunting and poetic, inviting readers into the mind of a profoundly troubled protagonist. The novel's introspective style allows for an intimate exploration of Yozo's inner world, making it easy to empathize with his pain and turmoil. The narrative, though at times bleak and unsettling, is undeniably compelling, drawing the reader deeper into Yozo's descent into self-destruction.
"No Longer Human" offers a poignant commentary on the masks we wear in society, the relentless pursuit of normalcy, and the disintegration of the self in the face of societal pressures. While the story may be emotionally taxing, it prompts profound reflections on the human experience and the lengths to which people will go to fit into a world that often feels foreign and unforgiving.
In conclusion, "No Longer Human" is a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers for its unflinching examination of human suffering and the search for belonging. Osamu Dazai's ability to capture the complexities of the human psyche and the societal forces that shape our lives makes this novel a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature. While it may not be an easy read due to its somber themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.
ddyyllaann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
bigf33t's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
valefrog2000's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookish_olga's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Loneliness is the human condition. Cultivate it. The way it tunnels into you allows your soul room to grow."
Wow, what a profound masterpiece 'No Longer Human' is! This novel plunges into the depths of human despair, offering an unflinchingly raw narrative through the troubled life of Oba Yozo. Born into an era of societal upheaval in Japan, Yozo's unconventional upbringing and inner turmoil set the stage for an extraordinary journey that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The novel takes readers on a haunting odyssey as Yozo navigates through various roles, from a mischievous child in rural Japan to a disillusioned adult in the bustling streets of Tokyo. Love, loss, and an ever-present sense of alienation weave together to form the intricate fabric of Yozo's existence. His descent into self-destruction and existential dread challenges conventional expectations and propels the story into the very heart of what it means to be human.
The strength of 'No Longer Human' lies not only in its stark depiction of personal and societal struggles but also in its exploration of themes such as identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. Yozo emerges as a deeply complex and multifaceted protagonist, defying societal norms and grappling with the perpetual feeling of being an outsider. The prose is both stark and lyrical, immersing readers in the vivid tapestry of Yozo's tortured experiences.
The narrative unfolds like a confessional diary, revealing layers of complexity and depth in Yozo's character as he evolves through the various stages of his life. The author's precise storytelling keeps readers captivated, skillfully balancing moments of intense introspection with poignant reflections on identity and the human condition.
'No Longer Human' is truly a modern classic, offering a harrowing and original take on the exploration of existential despair. It is a tale that echoes with a haunting vibrancy, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into its pages and be swept away by the tragic journey of Oba Yozo, one of literature's most intriguing and heart-wrenching figures.
Wow, what a profound masterpiece 'No Longer Human' is! This novel plunges into the depths of human despair, offering an unflinchingly raw narrative through the troubled life of Oba Yozo. Born into an era of societal upheaval in Japan, Yozo's unconventional upbringing and inner turmoil set the stage for an extraordinary journey that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The novel takes readers on a haunting odyssey as Yozo navigates through various roles, from a mischievous child in rural Japan to a disillusioned adult in the bustling streets of Tokyo. Love, loss, and an ever-present sense of alienation weave together to form the intricate fabric of Yozo's existence. His descent into self-destruction and existential dread challenges conventional expectations and propels the story into the very heart of what it means to be human.
The strength of 'No Longer Human' lies not only in its stark depiction of personal and societal struggles but also in its exploration of themes such as identity, alienation, and the search for meaning. Yozo emerges as a deeply complex and multifaceted protagonist, defying societal norms and grappling with the perpetual feeling of being an outsider. The prose is both stark and lyrical, immersing readers in the vivid tapestry of Yozo's tortured experiences.
The narrative unfolds like a confessional diary, revealing layers of complexity and depth in Yozo's character as he evolves through the various stages of his life. The author's precise storytelling keeps readers captivated, skillfully balancing moments of intense introspection with poignant reflections on identity and the human condition.
'No Longer Human' is truly a modern classic, offering a harrowing and original take on the exploration of existential despair. It is a tale that echoes with a haunting vibrancy, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into its pages and be swept away by the tragic journey of Oba Yozo, one of literature's most intriguing and heart-wrenching figures.