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The Setting Sun

3.8(83)
Hardcover€25.50Paperback€15.50
Language
English
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About the book

"Dazai's best novel [...] focusing on a woman forced to deal with the consequences of heedless, Dazai-like behavior." --The New York Times

"Carpenter conveys Dazai's discordant voices while sweeping away some of the rhetorical cobwebs of Donald Keene's 1956 translation and its dated introduction, making this the definitive edition of an epochal classic of postwar Japan for a new generation." —Library Journal

A completely new translation of one of Osamu Dazai's best-loved novels, by award-winning translator, Juliet Winters Carpenter.

The Setting Sun tells the story of Kazuko, a strong-willed young woman from an aristocratic family that has fallen into poverty since the war. The book follows Kazuko's journey as she and her family struggle to adapt to the harsh new conditions of a Japan destroyed by American fire-bombings. In addition to having to move from the city to the countryside, where she has to work in the fields to support her family, she has to deal with a divorce, her mother's illness, and the return of her drug-addicted brother from the army.

An inspiring portrait of one woman's determination to survive in a society in the grip of a social and moral crisis, this classic work will appeal to those with an interest in modern Japanese literature as well as to those familiar with Osamu Dazai from the popular manga and anime series Bungo Stray Dogs, where he is the lead character.

Editions (2)

ISBN9784805318096
PublisherTuttle Publishing
Publication Date05/06/25
Pages160

Reviews & Ratings

83 ratings

10 reviews

3.8

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  • exact
    exact

    3 Followers

    3.5

    A despressing book, just like Dazai's other work.

    --slight spoilers-- This is the second novel im reading from Ozamu Dazai, and again I was pulled into a world of sorrow. Dazais Imagery is incredibly strong and every szene feels real. It pulls the reader into this world he created, very carefully. With Kazuko as the main character, who is quite unlikeable, we get to know someone who embodies the hatred toward Japan’s aristocracy after the second World War. Although most of the characters are unpleasant, even terrible human beings at times, they still are deeply sensitive, emotional, and intelligent. I couldn't help but feel pity for them. Naoji’s storyline, in particular, made me both empathize with and despise him at the same time. Thematically, I appreciated the novel’s realism, including traditional literature and art. However, the flashbacks, which Dazai uses a lot, and the occasional mention of characters who appear only once or twice made the reading experience a little difficult. This story seems like a reflection of Dazai’s own sad life, with him being the reflection of Naoji.

    Oct 6, 2025

  • rebi.wn
    rebi.wn

    4 Followers

    5.0

    Beyond perfection.

    Jan 4, 2024

  • f4iry_t4l3s
    f4iry_t4l3s

    2 Followers

    5.0

    It made me feel a lot of emotions and Naoji's letter to Kazuko just broke me.

    May 9, 2024

3 of 10 reviews

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