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A review by krystalgaia
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
No Longer Human is a difficult book to read. The story revolves around Yozo’s feelings of alienation which stemmed way back in childhood, and his attempts to reconcile on what it means to be a human being.
The tone is, as described in the blurb, devoid of sentimentality, which is something I have never read before. So when the narrator delivers a shocking event, the impact is doubly felt, to the point that I even had to take a break from reading this for a while.
My only concern is the translation. After reading both the novel and the translator’s introduction, it seems like much of Keene’s own writing style bled on the translated work.
Aside from that, I’d still recommend this book to anyone who’s in a reflective mood, and especially to those who enjoy Murakami.
The tone is, as described in the blurb, devoid of sentimentality, which is something I have never read before. So when the narrator delivers a shocking event, the impact is doubly felt, to the point that I even had to take a break from reading this for a while.
My only concern is the translation. After reading both the novel and the translator’s introduction, it seems like much of Keene’s own writing style bled on the translated work.
Aside from that, I’d still recommend this book to anyone who’s in a reflective mood, and especially to those who enjoy Murakami.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Child abuse