The setting sun

As a work trying to capture the debasement of a soon-to-be-defunct aristocracy, it does quite well. Tries to gin up your sympathy for these fallen angels and their inability to merge with the “coarse” world of the lower classes, but falls somewhat flat there. That’s coming from a sincere believer in the ideals of a small-D democratic society, though. The decline of any and all aristocratic class is largely the point.

“I am afraid because I can so clearly foresee my own life rotting away of itself, like a leaf that rots without falling, while I pursue my round of existence from day to day.”

I liked but didn't love Dazai's No Longer Human, I found it too depressing for me to understand the message. However, I think this book is my favorite of his so far. It's quite pessimistic, of course. But I thought it was an emotional, fast-paced read. The social status, the end of an era, and the beautiful relationship between mother and daughter were all nuanced in this story.

This is such a vividly described and despairingly tragic tale that it transports you completely into the narrator's mind. Like other books written by Japanese authors, this one has more of an introspective and intimate feel to it rather than a plot-driven story. There's a lot explored... traumas, emotional turbulences, symbolism of snakes. There's not much to the story if you seek to find something plot-wise, but if you wish to experience the heavy feelings of a crumbling Japanese society post-war (with a dash of miserable sadness), then this book is for you.