'The Setting Sun' by Osamu Dazai is a short novel that delves into the life of Kazuko, a young noble woman facing the challenges of a post-war Japan. Struggling with financial difficulties and family issues, Kazuko finds herself at a crossroads, trying to navigate her changing world while grappling with personal demons. The narrative is written from Kazuko's perspective, incorporating journal entries and letters, creating an emotional impact that reflects the melancholy and pessimism of the era.

Dazai's writing style in 'The Setting Sun' is characterized by its use of flashback sequences, symbolism, and a first-person narrative that immerses the reader in Kazuko's struggles. Through the exploration of themes such as societal transition, family dynamics, and personal agency, the book offers a poignant portrayal of a society in flux and a protagonist striving to find her place amidst chaos.

Characters:

Characters exhibit complexity, embodying struggles tied to personal and societal transformations.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by brevity and a mix of narrative formats, including diaries, enhancing the personal introspection.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative prioritizes emotional depth over structured plot and character arcs, reflecting the turmoil of social upheaval.

Setting:

The backdrop of a transforming Japan anchors the family's narrative of decline and personal crises.

Pacing:

The narrative pacing is deliberate, allowing emotional weight to build within a concise framework.

Japanese in transcription is pronounced with the consonants as inEnglish and the vowels as in Italian. Thus, the name Naoji is pronounced nah-oh-jee.There is no marked stress accent, and one is safe i...

Notes:

Osamu Dazai was born in 1909 and attempted suicide twice before he turned 20.

He enrolled in Tokyo University but did not attend any classes during his five years there.

The Setting Sun was first published in 1947 and reflects the social changes in post-war Japan.

Dazai was known for a life of overwork, insomnia, tuberculosis, and heavy drinking.

He committed suicide by drowning in June 1948, shortly before his 39th birthday.

The novel reveals themes of disconnect and desperation amidst societal transformation.

Kazuko, the protagonist, struggles with familial dysfunction and her identity in a transitioning society.

The book features drug addiction, adultery, and societal critiques, mirroring personal angst.

Dazai's writing often incorporates autobiographical elements, showcasing his own struggles with mental health.

Christian references in the story are used ironically, often ridiculing structured religion.

Dazai's literary style is characterized by succinct writing and emotional depth, impacting readers profoundly.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of suicide, addiction, mental health issues, familial dysfunction, and existential despair.

From The Publisher:

The Setting Sun is a Japanese novel by Osamu Dazai. It was published in 1947 and is set in Japan after World War II. Principal characters are Kazuko, her brother Naoji, and their elderly mother. The story shows a family in decline and crisis, like many other families during this period of transition between traditional Japan and a more advanced, industrial society. Many families needed to leave their old lives behind and start anew. Throughout the story, mostly through the character Naoji, the author brings up a number of social and philosophical problems of that time period.

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1 comment(s)

parcat480

Loved It

9 months

I’m really glad I gave him another chance, I did not enjoy his other book but this one surprisingly captivated me.

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About the Author:

Osamu Dazai (1909-1948) was a 20th century Japanese novelist.

Donald Keene is a distinguished translator of Japanese.

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The Setting Sun

Osamu Dazai