A review by gvstyris
The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 Victims. Victims of a transitional period of morality. That is what we both certainly are. 

Funnily enough, The Setting Sun reminded me of El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba: both are novels I deeply respect the literary/cultural significance of, but struggled to connect with because of the very literary techniques they're renowned for. That being said, there are some beautiful images here, and
Naoji's final letter really resonated with me.
. 

I also can't help but feel like this novel was somewhat lost in translation for me, unfortunately. 

But perhaps, just as it is true of my love, they could not go on living except in the way they do. 
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