Reviews

Blue Bamboo: Japanese Tales of Fantasy by Osamu Dazai

iddyytdw's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

antr310's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

phoenix2's review against another edition

3.0

My first experience with Osamu Dazai's works was a successful one. The narrative was somehow a combination of fairy tale realm, teacher's perspective and novel's lyricism. The story was well crafted and somehow it had an element of surprise in the end, even though it was a simple tale (referring to Blue Bamboo). Overall, it was nice and enjoyable.

waitdont_tellme's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

reaperreads's review against another edition

3.0

I'll be honest and say that I didn't finish the last story in this one. None of the other stories really stuck with me even if they made me chuckle a bit or "hmmm" gravely on occasion. I can appreciate the literary merit of many of the stories, but maybe this collection just wasn't my taste.

reila's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.75

I really enjoyed this collection of stories. I think Dazai shines when dealing with fantastical elements. Strangely optimistic and a joy to read.

My favorites are The Chrysanthemum Spirit, The Mermaid and the Samurai, and Romanesque.

Here are some notable lines:

"You may wish to give the name 'honesty' to what others would call dimwittedness, but leave it to such 'honest men' as yourselves to deceuve the world with your fabulous dreams and superstitions."  ---The Mermaid and the Samurai p.71

"You suffer because you think the only life you can have is in the place you were born. 'Green hills are where you find them'--aren't those the words to a poem you scholars are always quoting?"  ---Blue Bamboo p.96

"One lies to seek a bit of relief from a ponderous, suffocating reality, but the liar, like the drinker, gradually comes to need larger and larger doses. The lies become blacker and more complex, they mesh and rub together until in the end they shine with the luster of truth."

"Lies are the silent farts that emanate from crime."  ---Romanesque p.128

nddaakdg's review against another edition

3.0

Aslında çok da beğenmedim ama son hikaysinden sonra Osamu Dazai’ye bir şans daha vereceğim.

docka's review

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-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

3.75

spicyy's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing medium-paced

4.75

simply_jxde's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

I loved all of the stories but most of all, I loved reading about those five siblings. I loved reading about their family in general. And their favorite past time is one I wish to try out myself with a couple of other people. A chain story