The Setting Sun

“I am afraid because I can so clearly foresee my own life rotting away of itself, like a leaf that rots without falling, while I pursue my round of existence from day to day.”

I liked but didn't love Dazai's No Longer Human, I found it too depressing for me to understand the message. However, I think this book is my favorite of his so far. It's quite pessimistic, of course. But I thought it was an emotional, fast-paced read. The social status, the end of an era, and the beautiful relationship between mother and daughter were all nuanced in this story.