No Longer Human

by Dazai, Osamu
ISBN: 9780811204811
4 (1)
Availability:
$7.49
Used - Trade Paperback - 9780811204811

Available Offers

Ship to HPB West Lane Avenue Out of stock at HPB West Lane Avenue Check other stores
$1.99 - Ready for pickup Apr 17 - 20
Ship to Me
$3.99 - Get it Apr 17 - 20
Only 4 left

Overview

Portraying himself as a failure, the protagonist of Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human narrates a seemingly normal life even while he feels himself incapable of understanding human beings. Oba Yozo's attempts to reconcile himself to the world around him begin in early childhood, continue through high school, where he becomes a "clown" to mask his alienation, and eventually lead to a failed suicide attempt as an adult. Without sentimentality, he records the casual cruelties of life and its fleeting moments of human connection and tenderness.
  • Format: TradePaperback
  • Author: Dazai, Osamu
  • ISBN: 9780811204811
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 7.99 x 0.52
  • Number Of Pages: 176
  • Publication Year: 1973

Customer Reviews

Rating Snapshot

5 ★   0%
4 ★   100%
3 ★   0%
2 ★   0%
1 ★   0%
4
1 Ratings

100

100% Would Recommend
1 Recommendations

Review Images

Sort by:
Filter by:

  • A fascinating, yet tragic glimpse into the soul of Osamu Dazai

    Would Recommend
    Nikolai G. - 4 months ago

    This book is the tragic tale of a man searching for meaning and a place in society, amid feelings of isolation and societal alienation. The main character (a clear reflection of the author himself) is burdened with a deep consciousness, and thus sees many things that others around him either cannot see, or deny seeing outright. This book is fascinating because it provides the reader with a clear glimpse into the soul of the author; tragic in his isolation, he seemed to cope by only retreating further into himself, and thus worsening his problems. It is very clear to the reader that the author is searching for meaning or a place for himself in society; perhaps even a glimmer of light or hope in the world; and above all contentment. However, he never finds what he is searching for. He denies himself humanity, and denies humanity a soul. He speaks out into the void about his issues, but never receives any sufficient answers during his lifetime. He believes that by being burdened by a consciousness such as his, and being self aware as he is, he is truly no longer human. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys philosophic literature, especially the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Nikolai Gogol, and others who were willing to be alone in their heightened consciousness, and shout (what was almost assuredly considered absurd in their times) into the void that is mankind. It also has strong parallels to the works of Jack Kerouac and other Beatnik authors. To anyone who is considering reading this book; I will warn you that it is a very heavy read. So please keep in mind while reading this book that this was the final manuscript written by Osamu Dazai before he passed...

    Tags: Banned Books, BIPOC