Yozo tells us all his thoughts, fears and ideas – everything that the hides from the world by wearing a ‘clownish mask’ of cheerfulness and wittiness. It’s written in the first person which gives it a psychological depth and intimate mood. It tells the story of his moral, physical and emotional degradation, and downfall into the shady life of crime, suicides, prostitutes, alcohol and morphine.

The book begins with an unnamed narrator finding three photos and three notebooks written by Oba Yozo, which follow his decline from a student, to an morphine addict. Osamu Dazai (1909-1948) wrote his second novel, a dark and disturbing work of art – No Longer Human, in a state of frenzy, some suggested he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Now, after finally reading this brilliant book, I can say without exaggeration that I consider it one of my favourite books ever!!! And the title was intriguing as well – No Longer Human, what does that mean, I wondered. I couldn’t stop myself from endlessly pondering over its meaning. Everything passes.’ – This is the first quote I’ve read from this book, and it stayed etched on my mind. ‘Now I have neither happiness nor unhappiness.

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