The Setting Sun[SETTING SUN][Paperback]

by OsamuDazai

The Setting Sun <> Paperback <> OsamuDazai <> NewDirectionsPublishingCorporation

Genres: Japanese Literature

Paperback

Published January 31, 1968

Reviews

[Blakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why this book is rated 4/5 stars, but I will be giving it a 5/5. Why? Because it has touched my heart in a strange way that even I can’t explain it. Dazai has a way of writing the protagonist where you can see all their ugly flaws yet still sympathize for them.

I had never put much thought into the aristocracy or anything of that sort, it isn’t typically my field of study. But just reading this short paper back made me feel like I should care more. That there is so much more to know than what Dazai can covey.

The setting sun is a beautiful, fitting name for the book. The sun has always had a heavy weight behind it, considering if you know the context between “the rising sun.” But the setting sun is something somber and like an acceptance of sorts. Japan has lost the war, the aristocracy has fallen, there is no exception for who must be made a victim for the revolution. In a way, it is talking about a rebirth of the country.

[Davoud Tavakolizadeh · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

[Brennan Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect name for this book, something melancholic and somber about this book just like watching the sun set. Finally finished the book and it was totally worth every second of reading.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does the English language allow for the true intention of the author's words to come through...? Translation pieces are always difficult. I sense there is more depth at moments that seem to fall flat in the middle of the text, and then the roller-coaster of a conclusion in the flurry of thoughts. Those final two chapters left me wondering if this is a story that would bring to light something new with each read....

[bizzare- Kenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rising sun has suddenly set and lost all of its radiance. Being an aristocratic to a commoner has its own challenges although in my opinion they still live quite comfortable. When your life doesn’t turn like how you expect it and you got eyes watching your every move judging you making you feel less than, I might have gone mad as well. Even though I was quite appalled by their decisions and behaviors, at the end I was able to have empathy and sorrow for their challenges and emotions of being a victim of the world. The beginning is slow but it picked up at the end. I don’t really read literature so it was hard for me to sit and read and took longer to finish, but I’m glad I finished it at least.

[Josef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief and love in a peculiar time of shifting circumstances. The internal and quiet despair humbles you to understand the helpless choices of a life surrounded by tragedy.

"I could not remain forever immersed in my grief. There is something for which I absolutely have to fight. A new ethics. No, even to use the word is hypocrisy. Love. That and nothing else."
-
"This I want to believe implicitly: Man was born for love and revolution."

[V_Kirbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to explain but this book is probably one of my favorites. I'm sure something about the translation meant the book wasn't as good as it could have been, but regardless I love the writing style of Dazai's books and the themes of this one specifically. Not something I thought I'd be into, but it ended up being very good.

[alyarikan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"the feeling of that strange pale light when once one has exceeded all the bounds of unhappiness — if that can be called a sensations of happiness, the Emperor, my mother, and even myself may be said to be happy now."

[Abegail · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Thus every day, from morning to night, I wait in despair for something. I wish I could be glad that I was born, that I am alive, that there are people and a world."

[carolinką · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Mr T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really intense psychological portrait of the initial post-war period in Japan.

[Miawzai · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is so peak i forgot all of their names except naoji cause his names cute okay but like this is actually one of my fav books ever ive read it twice