Shut Up & Read

The Setting Sun is a book you wouldn’t wanna read when you’re emotionally down. Trust me on that.

The Setting Sun is about Kazuko, a 29-year-old woman from what was once a wealthy family. After their financial ruin, she and her mother move from their luxurious home in Tokyo to a modest villa on the Izu Peninsula. Their fragile peace is quickly disrupted when Kazuko’s brother, Naoji, returns. As their mother’s health declines, Naoji blows the little money they have on alcohol, while Kazuko desperately tries to secure her future by pursuing one of Naoji’s friends, a novelist who’s also an alcoholic.

The first thing I love about this book is its setting. It takes place in Japan after World War II, a period of great social upheaval and change. In particular, the decline of the aristocracy, which deeply affects the characters, is depicted poignantly.

The second thing is I love is how this book encapsulates the turmoil of individuals during a time of rapid societal changes. This is evident in their inner dialogues, their actions, and, most strikingly, in how foreshadowing and symbolism move the story from an already melancholic tone to something even more profound as the characters transform along with it.

The book uses very plain language, yet it comes across as incredibly beautiful. The words just move you.

“Scoundrels live a long time. The beautiful die young. Mother is beautiful. But I want her to live a long time.”

The Setting Sun
Osamu Dazai

This book is outstanding. I don’t even think I have the authority to judge it. The author is well-known and has been acclaimed throughout the years. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.

final thoughts…

The Setting Sun is a masterpiece. Its cultural and historical significance, combined with how excellent it was written, is nothing short of amazing. I always felt on edge while reading, even when nothing significant was happening because you can sense that something is brewing, and eventually, things will change. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction or history majors who enjoy seeing the past come alive in a novel. Fun fact: the author is known for creating “I” novels, centering on his personal experiences and turmoil, so this book echoes his personal internal struggles of that time.