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A review by blumoonie
The Beggar Student by Osamu Dazai
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I often find myself laughing as I read Dazai, not necessarily because what he's written is funny, but because the drama is. I, too, have felt overcome with a hapless despair upon turning in an unsatisfactory assignment. I, too, have dug myself into situations by running my mouth or yes-and-ing too hard.
Relatability aside, this story, though it was simple (and frankly just silly) was filled with unexpected twists and turns. Dazai masterfully captured the essence of what his semi-autobiographical character was feeling: an uncertainty as to where they were going, what they might do, or whether he was saying the right thing. His unreliability as a narrator is one of the things that makes him the most interesting. Though this story is tiny, it was still chock-full of detail that would make for an interesting second read.
Relatability aside, this story, though it was simple (and frankly just silly) was filled with unexpected twists and turns. Dazai masterfully captured the essence of what his semi-autobiographical character was feeling: an uncertainty as to where they were going, what they might do, or whether he was saying the right thing. His unreliability as a narrator is one of the things that makes him the most interesting. Though this story is tiny, it was still chock-full of detail that would make for an interesting second read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts