martuchi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
[A FEW SPOILERS AHEAD]
I have never hated a character more than my friend Yozo here. His flaws aren’t only flaws, per se, but rather disgusting personality traits. It makes me wonder, also, as this was a semi-autobiography, whether Dazai was as shitty as the main character here.
Yes, I understand he was severely depressed and had lots of traumas (mainly because of his childhood), yet I can’t accept what he did to the women in his life. I didn’t feel like crying, but throwing the book across the room once I read what those poor women around him went through.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned, in fact, is that his last wife was literally 17!!!!!! —and I know it was almost 80 years ago, and those things were most.y common around that time, but I can’t accept the fact that he wanted to marry her just because she was a virgin. Period.
Anyway, the book is simply fascinating as you read through countless of weird situations caused by Yozo’s inability to communicate —disgustingly as he is most of the time, it was enjoyable at best. I had never read this type of flawed character before, so it was an *experience*.
I would definitely recommend this book if you have a strong stomach and are willing to scream to a (kind of) nonexistent person.
I have never hated a character more than my friend Yozo here. His flaws aren’t only flaws, per se, but rather disgusting personality traits. It makes me wonder, also, as this was a semi-autobiography, whether Dazai was as shitty as the main character here.
Yes, I understand he was severely depressed and had lots of traumas (mainly because of his childhood), yet I can’t accept what he did to the women in his life. I didn’t feel like crying, but throwing the book across the room once I read what those poor women around him went through.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned, in fact, is that his last wife was literally 17!!!!!! —and I know it was almost 80 years ago, and those things were most.y common around that time, but I can’t accept the fact that he wanted to marry her just because she was a virgin. Period.
Anyway, the book is simply fascinating as you read through countless of weird situations caused by Yozo’s inability to communicate —disgustingly as he is most of the time, it was enjoyable at best. I had never read this type of flawed character before, so it was an *experience*.
I would definitely recommend this book if you have a strong stomach and are willing to scream to a (kind of) nonexistent person.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Infidelity, Grief, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Rape, Racial slurs, Alcohol, Addiction, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Self harm, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Drug use, Drug abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Death
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