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A review by idajoh
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
very deep and reflective. i liked it a lot
i did not love the view of women (especially prostitutes), but in all fairness, Yozo hated everyone. In addition, this was written in 1940s Japan.
Dazai mentions in the Epilogue (sort of) that the notebooks were still relevant ten years after they were written, and even today.
As someone who struggled with depression, I could feel the authenticity from the author that a lot of other books about mental illness lack, namely that they were written by a neurotypical author.
It was very obvious how his own thoughts were merged with the main character's.
I highly recommend this book.
i did not love the view of women (especially prostitutes), but in all fairness, Yozo hated everyone. In addition, this was written in 1940s Japan.
Dazai mentions in the Epilogue (sort of) that the notebooks were still relevant ten years after they were written, and even today.
As someone who struggled with depression, I could feel the authenticity from the author that a lot of other books about mental illness lack, namely that they were written by a neurotypical author.
It was very obvious how his own thoughts were merged with the main character's.
I highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: War