No Longer Human

amazing, has deep meaning and an overall great story

It's a small book, not taking much time to read, but it trades lack of time for its impact size. Boy, this one'll stick for a minute. It's ambiguous in spots to make you think, it's interesting and oh man is it depressing at times. Not so much sad, but more-so just... it's not so fun. However, it is a good read, and I think it's a worthwhile one for some alternative perspective on things.

Beautifuly disturbing and comforting

I stumbled across this in a Jacob Geller video essay (if you haven’t watched his essays, you should; in my opinion he’s the best horror-centric video essayist out there), and so I was immediately interested because of how Geller pitched it; he gave the viewer a pretty intense trigger-warning, insinuating that this was going to be an intense, very bleak novel (the way he described it made me think it was going to in the vein of Murakami). Apparently Geller has never read Thomas Ligotti’s The Conspiracy Against the Human Race, or Iain Banks’ The Wasp Factory, or anything written by Kristopher Triana, but I digress. Published in 1975, it’s a very introspective, quasi-autobiographical novel—also one of the ten best-selling novels in Japan (I find this kind of surprising, but I suppose it captured the country’s zeitgeist at the time of publication)—exploring the liminal cultural spaces spanning from post-war Japan and a technology-driven postmodernism through the perspective of a very lonely, aimless, depressed MC who keeps on doing self-destructive things and to which bad things continually keep happening. It is bleak but not very “edgy” or graphic. And the one graphic event involved the r-word that rhymes with grape. But it mostly happened off-screen, was poetically insinuated to boot, and was more about the MC’s psychological reaction to it happening rather than a reliance on graphic details (which, again, there were none); unsettling but swallowable due to Dazai’s delicate approach. I liked this book but didn’t love it—partially because I wished there was a bit more Japanese culture interwoven throughout, partially because it was slightly overhyped. It is a very readable, well-paced book with great translated prose, but it didn’t quite scratch any of my genre, narrative, or prose itches. I kind of recommend it, though.

Great book

This is a good book. I am researching about borderline personality disorder and this a good book for learning about it. Osamu dazai is good at talking philosophically without making it too boring or hard to understand. It was a short book but it was worth reading. A quick, depressing read

I finished the book in one day. The moment I read the Osamu Dazai writes, it was so hard to put down. His descriptive writing and wordplay are on par with some of the best in writing. This is a book that I might have to read once more. My wife read it twice. Though it is book written more than 70 years ago, it still holds up today. 10/10 Truly recommended read for anybody that considers themselves a reader.

Great book

I recommend reading it

Amazing my friend loved it

No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai is a masterpiece that delves into the depths of the human psyche with an unparalleled intensity. This English edition of the classic Japanese novel brilliantly captures the essence of the original work, allowing readers worldwide to experience its profound impact. From the moment I began reading, I was utterly captivated by the protagonist's raw and unfiltered narrative. The story follows Yozo Oba, a young man struggling to find his place in a world that seems alien to him. Dazai's masterful storytelling takes us on a haunting journey through Oba's life, revealing his internal battles with identity, belonging, and the ever-elusive concept of humanity. The depth of character development in No Longer Human is nothing short of remarkable. Oba's experiences, though often tragic and disheartening, paint a vivid picture of the human condition. Dazai's exploration of Oba's thoughts and emotions is so vivid that it almost feels as though the pages themselves are breathing with life. One of the standout features of this edition is the translator's skill in retaining the essence of Dazai's prose. The nuances of emotion, the subtle shifts in tone – all are meticulously preserved, allowing English-speaking readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative without losing the essence of the original text. The themes addressed in No Longer Human are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published. The struggle for authenticity, the façades people create to fit in, and the isolation that often accompanies these efforts – these themes resonate deeply with anyone who has questioned their place in society. Reading No Longer Human is not a mere act of consuming literature; it's a visceral experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. This is a book that invites introspection, that encourages readers to confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities. It's a reminder that beneath our facades, we are all human, with our fears and desires. In conclusion, the English edition of No Longer Human is an absolute triumph. Osamu Dazai's unflinching portrayal of the human psyche, coupled with the translator's exceptional work, makes this a must-read for anyone seeking a profound literary journey. Prepare to be moved, unsettled, and ultimately enlightened by this extraordinary work.

Amo este livro e já li sua edição em português, e agora resolvi comprar a edição em inglês! Ótimas condições

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