56 pages • 1 hour read
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176
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1930s
1948
Adult
18+ years
1070L
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai follows Yozo Oba, a man plagued by feelings of alienation and despair from childhood through adulthood as he struggles with self-identity, addiction, and societal expectations, ultimately leading him on a tragic path marked by self-destructive behavior and deteriorating mental health.
Melancholic
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Bittersweet
198,786 ratings
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No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai offers a penetrating exploration of alienation and despair. Positively noted for its raw emotional depth and complex protagonist, some critics find its unrelenting bleakness overwhelming. While the nihilistic themes can be discomforting, the novel’s powerful prose and introspective narrative make it a compelling, albeit dark, read.
A reader who would enjoy No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai is typically introspective and interested in existential themes, similar to those found in Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground and Camus' The Stranger. They appreciate deeply personal narratives that explore alienation, identity, and the human condition.
198,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Horiki Masao
Yozo's friend and fellow artist from Tokyo, serving as a guide to the city's nightlife and hedonistic pleasures. Despite their kinship, his relationship with Yozo is complicated by mutual manipulation and conflict.
Takeichi
A high school acquaintance of Yozo who perceives the truth behind Yozo's playful facade. He introduces Yozo to the concept of "ghost portraits," predicting his future in both art and relationships with women.
Yoshiko
A young woman whom Yozo marries, providing him with a temporary sense of stability and trust. Her unwavering belief in Yozo contrasts with his descent into alcoholism and despair.
Tsuneko
A hostess from Tokyo who crosses paths with Yozo during his escapades. Her melancholy and connection with Yozo culminate in a shared depth of emotion and contemplation of life's hardships.
Shizuko
A single mother who takes in Yozo, offering him care and a semblance of domestic life. Her support allows Yozo to experience a temporary familial bond, which is ultimately disrupted by his actions.
Flatfish
A business associate of Yozo's father, whose ambiguous role extends to providing unofficial support and advice to Yozo. His interactions with Yozo often lead to both assistance and confusion.
176
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1930s
1948
Adult
18+ years
1070L
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