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challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Godt skrevet men helt utroligt deprimerende at læse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I came upon this book while searching for something to read on the topic of loneliness, isolation, and a yearning for connection. I didn't exactly find what I was looking for in No Longer Human, but rather the connected feeling of complete befuddlement by others and society writ large, and a narrator who didn't seem to comprehend any of the negative effects he had on others yet wallowed in despair nonetheless. There isn't a speck of joy to be had in the narrator's entire life, or so the overbearing tone of the notebooks would have one believe. Every moment is either a descent further into depravity and depression or a momentary pause where things even out, but never quite go back up. It's a difficult read for both that reason and the overwhelming misogyny that's sprinkled throughout. I can accept it as both a manifestation of the times and as a part of the character's damaged psyche, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant to slog through.
I didn't find what I was looking for in No Longer Human, and what I did find is rough around the edges. That being said, as an exploration of soul-rending despair and depression, of the all-consuming maw of pleasure that it often manifests as, it's remarkably truthful. This is closer to three and a half stars, but as that isn't an option, I'll round up.
I didn't find what I was looking for in No Longer Human, and what I did find is rough around the edges. That being said, as an exploration of soul-rending despair and depression, of the all-consuming maw of pleasure that it often manifests as, it's remarkably truthful. This is closer to three and a half stars, but as that isn't an option, I'll round up.
23/10/2022
There's something lyrical about this book. Having stayed up until 2 am to finish this I'm still reeling from the experience.
Something about reading this book felt oddly nostalgic to me, like reminiscing about my own hardships and indulging in them. I find it funny that Yozo never could see himself as a human, yet his thoughts, feelings, and emotions are so viscerally described, painting him as more human than most, to me.
Now, I think I could have enjoyed this book even more if it weren't for the unfortunate misogyny, which safe to say ruined my immersion rather considerably, but for all his flaws I must say Dazai was a captivating writer and I'll be looking into his other books too.
There's something lyrical about this book. Having stayed up until 2 am to finish this I'm still reeling from the experience.
Something about reading this book felt oddly nostalgic to me, like reminiscing about my own hardships and indulging in them. I find it funny that Yozo never could see himself as a human, yet his thoughts, feelings, and emotions are so viscerally described, painting him as more human than most, to me.
Now, I think I could have enjoyed this book even more if it weren't for the unfortunate misogyny, which safe to say ruined my immersion rather considerably, but for all his flaws I must say Dazai was a captivating writer and I'll be looking into his other books too.
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
personally, a really interesting introspective read. however, at times, incredibly misogynistic. it’s a good read though!!