A review by cultbyproxy
The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai

dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

a clumsy pas de deux with grief, battling to lead whilst not stepping on toes that might prompt actual conversation about the recent events. the pain and inquisition of the main character’s double suicide attempt and affair with his, now dead, lover linger in the air as he and his friends attempt to fill the room with laughter. the self-deprecating interjections of Dazai’s voice only add to this effort at taking a heavy topic and trying to be lighthearted about it. we see the main character ruminate over creating a masterpiece alongside his creator, who is trying to do the same. the entire book has a disturbing youthfulness in how a serious conversation is danced around, similar to the diction of taboo topics in society today. surprised to have not come across the words “unalive,” or “grippy socks vacation.” not sure how i feel about this particular writing style, but it’s unique and was an experience.

“If only you could understand the sadness of the ones who grow the delicate flowers of buffoonery, protecting them from but the slightest gust of wind and always on the verge of despair!”
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