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A review by tragedies
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
At first glance, No Longer Human is a grim portrait of depression. However, it is also a powerful piece of social commentary. It explores Japan at a time when traditions are waning and Western imperialism is on the rise, leaving people to grapple with an aching sense of loss and displacement. The writing is sharp and gut-wrenching, almost as if every word carries with it a heavy weight of despair. "The wound has gradually become dearer to me than my own flesh and blood, and I have thought its pain to be the emotion of the wound as it lived or even its murmur of affection," Dazai wrote.
The story follows Yozo as he grows up, struggling to grasp his purpose and place in life. For as long as he can remember, he has always felt empty and lost. We watch as he spirals into his depression, a blackhole of self-loathing and destruction slowly consuming him and everyone around him. It's painful and messy and ugly, but I think that's what makes No Longer Human so powerful and moving.
I do have some issues regarding its portrayal and treatment of women. Since the story is set in 1930s Japan, there is plenty of sexism and misogyny going on. I can understand though as the book reflects the conservative beliefs of its time, but it does not make it any less uncomfortable to read. There are also graphic depictions of suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, and more. They can be very triggering at times, so I suggest looking up a list of content warnings if you plan on reading it. Nonetheless, it's a devastatingly beautiful piece of literature, one that made me and my past self feel so seen and understood. I can't wait to read more of Dazai's body of work.
And yes, I did learn about Dazai through Bungo Stray Dogs. Am I the only one? I hope not. My favorite character in the anime is inspired by him, and now that I've read No Longer Human, I can totally understand why fictional!Dazai is the way he is. If you liked this book, I highly recommend checking out the Bungo Stray Dogs as well.
The story follows Yozo as he grows up, struggling to grasp his purpose and place in life. For as long as he can remember, he has always felt empty and lost. We watch as he spirals into his depression, a blackhole of self-loathing and destruction slowly consuming him and everyone around him. It's painful and messy and ugly, but I think that's what makes No Longer Human so powerful and moving.
I do have some issues regarding its portrayal and treatment of women. Since the story is set in 1930s Japan, there is plenty of sexism and misogyny going on. I can understand though as the book reflects the conservative beliefs of its time, but it does not make it any less uncomfortable to read. There are also graphic depictions of suicide, alcoholism, drug addiction, and more. They can be very triggering at times, so I suggest looking up a list of content warnings if you plan on reading it. Nonetheless, it's a devastatingly beautiful piece of literature, one that made me and my past self feel so seen and understood. I can't wait to read more of Dazai's body of work.
And yes, I did learn about Dazai through Bungo Stray Dogs. Am I the only one? I hope not. My favorite character in the anime is inspired by him, and now that I've read No Longer Human, I can totally understand why fictional!Dazai is the way he is. If you liked this book, I highly recommend checking out the Bungo Stray Dogs as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Sexism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Addiction, and Death of parent