Reviews

Blue Bamboo: Japanese Tales of Fantasy by Osamu Dazai

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benrogerswpg's review against another edition

3.0

This was not my favorite Dazai book.

It was an only "okay" set of short stories.

I have seen better collections from other similar authors.

Still had some good stories, but mostly not my favorites.

3.0/5

soukokulxvr's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kxtaro's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

jadejoro's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Switching from Dazai's typical heavy tone into essentially a collection of fairy tales was a bit jarring, but overall helped me develop a fuller picture of the author as a person. Most of my qualms with the story are personal (fairy tales and fables typically aren't my preference), but generally speaking Japanese folk tales can be a little darker than what Americans might be expecting. The title short story was easily my favorite; it's fantasy element felt the most familiar and compelling out of the various plots.