No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai

When I picked this title, I was definitely not prepared for the storm it stirred within me.

No Longer Human, a semi-autobiographical book, is a poignant and fascinating story of a young man caught between the traditions of a northern Japanese aristocratic family and the impact of western ideas. Yozo Oba, the protagonist, portrays himself as a failure in every walk of life through his evidently melancholic endeavors as he narrates his story.

"People talk of 'social outcasts'. The words apparently denote the miserable losers of the world, the vicious ones, but I feel as though I have been a 'soial outcast' from the moment I was born"

The narrative style lacks any traces of sentimentality but, propbably that severe lack of sentimentality is what pierces through the soul. Yozo Oba often wonders, "what is society but an individual", and through that pondering effort brings forth the struggles of what it is to be a human being. He finds himself at odds with everyone around him and that underlying vagueness associated with his self-identity is seen as a central theme till the end.

Undoubtedly, the book is a peculiar one and might need the 'right' mindset as it can get unsettling for many readers - Osamu's writing style will swallow you in as he captures the despair that defines Yozo's life and takes on themes like isolation, dpression, abuse, self-acceptance (or a lack thereof), suicide and self-destructive tendencies at large. Despite all the apparent melancholy, it is a page turner and will potentially leave you with a lot of empathy (and, frustration at the same time) for the seemingly insufferable character.

The writing style is raw in the most engulfing and powerful way - it is sure to pull you in the vortex of Yozo's life. It is worth a read but please note that it can be emotionally challenging as it gives a glaring glimpse of the harsh realities of depression and the impact of leading a detached and alienated life.

If you find youself in a difficult and challenging head space right now, it might not be the best time to pick this title.