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56 pages 1 hour read

No Longer Human

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1948

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Book Brief

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Osamu Dazai

No Longer Human

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1948
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1930s

Publication Year

1948

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1070L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

198,786 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read No Longer Human?

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.

4.3

198,786 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Yozo Oba

The protagonist and unreliable narrator of the story, depicted across three notebooks chronicling his life from childhood to adulthood. Raised in a politically affluent family, his artistic talent and personal struggles form central themes in the narrative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1930s

Publication Year

1948

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1070L

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