The Setting Sun

Books | Fiction / World Literature / Asia (General)

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(1.5K)

Osamu Dazai

This powerful novel of a nation in social and moral crisis was first published by New Directions in 1956. Set in the early postwar years, it probes the destructive effects of war and the transition from a feudal Japan to an industrial society. Ozamu Dazai died, a suicide, in 1948. But the influence of his book has made "people of the setting sun" a permanent part of the Japanese language, and his heroine, Kazuko, a young aristocrat who deliberately abandons her class, a symbol of the anomie which pervades so much of the modern world.

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Author

Osamu Dazai

Pages

174

Publisher

New Directions Publishing

Published Date

1968-01-17

ISBN

0811224252 9780811224253

Community ReviewsSee all

"This one definitely leans towards the more sadder side of the spectrum. The main character’s life seems to be a tragedy from beginning to end. My favorite parts are when Dazai uses letters to depict the inner thoughts and deeper feelings of the characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes vivid descriptions, metaphors and a deeper look into class division within a society :)"

Nhaya Henley

"I could relate to the characters, and I loved how the story was, as if you were living with the person. As if you was there with them, you understood her troubles even if he wasn’t her, you could understand why he did what she did in a few moments. When I ran Naoji’s notebook, I could understand every single thing he said everything he said just hit me right there. it was like coming of age and a slice of life which is always my number one go to for anything. "

Rain

"I loved this book it was a neutral melancholic read ,but the ending gave me a warm feeling. This will vary per person I really think it will depend on you. Please research this author ,and their books before going in expecting a feel good book."

Celia

"Although not his best work, the setting sun is an enjoyable quick read. "

L L

Luke Linares

"I think you'll like it alot "

Nihrantz Bunreth

"It took me about long while to finish reading this book, but my lack of motivation towards reading played a part in that. To summarize my thoughts on this book, it’s the most intimate book I have ever read. Dazai has this way of writing which immerses you so much you almost feel as one with the protagonist. The last half of the book is definitely better and I would read again. "

V R

Veronica Ruiz

"u have to put the misogyny in a box if u want to get through it. that aside i think it was worth reading. i wish i could read it in the original japanese so i could appreciate the author’s turn of phrase better. made me think about my mother and i. moonflower journal is striking and mildly nauseating, and very human."