Description

By (author) Dazai, Osamu; Translated by Carpenter Juliet Winters

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“Dazai”s best novel […] focusing on a woman forced to deal with the consequences of heedless, Dazai-like behavior” —The New York Times

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.

Review quote:
“Since about the time of Osamu Dazai”s death in 1948, the publishing firm of Tuttle has been instrumental in bringing translations of Japanese literature and culture into forms suitable for the English-speaking audience.” —
ICv2

Review quote:
“Based on the Japanese novel of the same name, The Setting Sun follows a privileged young woman, Kazuko, as her world falls apart after World War II. With no money, a sickly mother, and a drug-dependent brother to deal with, Kazuko struggles to find reasons to stay positive. An unhealthy romantic relationship offers a solution, but only if she is willing to sacrifice her principles to take advantage of it.” —
Book Riot

Review quote:
“Though not as autobiographical as Dazai”s subsequent novel, No Longer Human, The Setting Sun draws heavily on his experiences…[and] would transform its author into a celebrity, the literary poster child for Japan”s postwar malaise…” —
The Japan Times

Biographical note:
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