The Setting Sun (New Directions Book)

The book came wrapped in plastic, which protected it from getting scratched during transportation. It came in pristine conditions almost perfect I’d say. The book is made from good quality paper as much as I can tell. The dust jacket is paper with no gloss on it just pale matte paper. Underneath the dust jacket the book itself is just black.

Love Osamu Dazai. It’s good. Although I prefer “No longer Human”

going on a trip to Japan. wanted to read some stuff while there. however, started this book before I left and finished it in 3 days. lovely. mesmerizing. classic. clean. succinct. must read. can't wait to read more of his work.

Scarcely more than a novella, this little novel decribes a few years in the life of a young Japanese woman immediately after WW2. An aristocrat, she sees her money slip away and her nearest relatives die, but rather than clinging on to her old lifestyle, she takes tentative steps towards embracing a new one, eventually deliberately conceiving a baby out of wedlock. Written by a Japanese native, it may provide a more authentic glimpse into postwar Japan than that offered by Shirley Hazzard in THE GREAT FIRE , or even in the work of Kazuo Ishiguro, but it is an oblique one, more like a poem. The book (though physically unattractive in the paperback edition) is easy to read and contains several striking scenes, but one may need to be Japanese to understand its story as emblematic of an entire generation.

What else can I say, it’s Osamu Dazai. I read the entire book in one sitting and I was entranced in the storyline. Not once did I think this book was mediocre. I’ve seen multiple people in the reviews stating that this book isn’t better than no longer human but these are just trivial statements that don’t contribute to the astounding nature of this book. It simply isn’t fair to compare two pieces of literature seemingly unrelated to one another. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I would recommend it to anyone.

Great book. This included a good quality copy making the experience of reading it enjoyable. Recomended 100%

This book is written so well and has a amazing plot sometimes it can be hard to follow but overall it was a amazing read!

I could write a whole essay about how much I adore this book. Not just because it’s written by Osamu, but because of the dark themes this book possesses. I may or may not have gotten some strange and concerning looks from my teachers while reading this considering I’m in the 7th grade, but that just shows how deep and powerful the meaning behind this book is.

Pünktlich, gute Ware

Llego en perfecto estado y rapido. Me gusto mucho. Hace poco descubri a este autor por otro libro y estoy feliz de haber seguido con este.

太宰治の「斜陽」の英訳。現代日本文学の名作をわざわざ英訳で読む必要はないが、 日本の事柄を自然な英語で表現する方法に関心があるので、日本文学の名作の英訳 はつとめて目を通すようにしている。勉強になることが多い。例えば冒頭の一文。 (原文) 「朝、食堂でスウプを一さじ吸ってお母さまが、「あ。」と幽かな叫び声をお挙 げになった」 (ドナルド・キーン訳) Mother uttered a faint cry. She was eating soup in the dining room. スープはさじ（スプーン）を使うときは eat するものだと知った。 キーンの翻訳は、冒頭の訳でもわかるように、原作の情景を平明で自然な英語で表 現している。英文として非常に読みやすい。日本独特の事物についても、 仙台平の袴を着け、→ in slightly less formal attire, 白足袋をはいておられた → but he still wore his white gloves. 足袋をはいてお見えになり → appeared in his formal costume again とあっさり訳しているが、「白足袋」を white gloves と訳したのは秀逸。 よどみなく読める名訳である。

in "the setting sun" by osamu dazai, readers are immersed in a poignant exploration of post-war japan, where the author skillfully weaves together themes of societal disintegration and personal struggle. dazai's narrative unfolds around a decaying aristocratic family, and his masterful use of symbolism breathes life into their experiences, providing a profound commentary on the clash between tradition and modernity. the atmospheric setting plays a crucial role, serving as a vivid backdrop to the characters' internal conflicts. through meticulous detail, dazai adds layers of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to feel the weight of the characters' emotions against the backdrop of a changing nation. dazai's prose is a delicate dance between evocation and melancholy. his words capture the emotional turbulence of the characters with haunting precision, creating an intimate connection between the reader and the struggles within the story. the unfolding novel becomes more than just a tale of individuals; it transforms into a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human condition in a nation undergoing profound transformation. "the setting sun" stands as a timeless classic, celebrated not only for its introspective depth but also for dazai's lyrical prose that resonates long after the final page. it is a work that invites readers to contemplate the intricacies of change, tradition, and the universal challenges of the human experience.

Well written. Unlike a western novel with a charming style. The character is always crying and lots of threats of suicide- but given the author did commit suicide I can forgive the obsession with it