A review by irene62_
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai

emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book - is something else. While the plot is definitely something, the character is just, not it. And I'm saying this with as little judgement as possible. This book is just, sad. But in a pathetic kind of way. Especially bc it talks about the character's horrifying ideal of being known by others while also actively trying to avoid being vulnerable when pursued. And while that's hopelessly human, the idea behind it is just faulty. What's worse? He's utterly selfish. You'd think that so many life alterations would make him change his ways but no, ofc not. Call me naïve but I think hope is a beautiful thing to have, simply bc you can't exist without it, but this novel rules out the mere possibility of it, in every possible way. Would I recommend this book though? Absolutely. But the character is just - nope.
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