Osamu Dazai wrote the book “No Longer Human” the same year he committed suicide.
Oba Yozo, the book’s main character, narrates the unfolding of his life with a cold detachment from the tragedies and deep unspoken problems that have surrounded and drowned his existence. Convinced of conducting a life of much shame since he was a boy, Yozo hides his true feelings and thoughts behind subterfuges. He always appears as the funniest person in the room thanks to his clowning skills, which allow him to wear a bright mask above a dark spirit. Unable to take hold of his life, he survives as a parasite on the shoulders of benefactors. His two natural talents of painting ghosts and seducing women bring him no comfort: he tries to commit suicide several times without success.
I started reading this book lying on a beach. I had to stop and change location because the contrast between the sunny weather and fresh sea breeze with the dark story was too stark and puzzling. This semi-autobiography scared me with its emotionless and direct way of recounting deep dark feelings. Throughout the book, I found myself in strong disagreement with Yozo, questioning his social aversion and inept choices. I was probably too superficial to fully understand his state of depression. Dazai’s masterpiece is surprisingly effortless to read considering the complexity of the topic.