Quotes from book
The Setting Sun

Name: The Setting Sun
Author: Osamu Dazai

Osamu DazaiOriginal title 斜陽 (Japanese, 1947)

The Setting Sun is a Japanese novel by Osamu Dazai. It was published in 1947 and is set in Japan after World War II. Principal characters are Kazuko, her brother Naoji, and their elderly mother. The story shows a family in decline and crisis, like many other families during this period of transition between traditional Japan and a more advanced, industrial society. Many families needed to leave their old lives behind and start anew. Throughout the story, mostly through the character Naoji, the author brings up a number of social and philosophical problems of that time period.

“I like roses best. But they bloom in all four seasons. I wonder if people who like roses best have to die four times over again.”

Osamu Dazai book The Setting Sun

Source: 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.”

Osamu Dazai book The Setting Sun

Source: The Setting Sun

“I want to spend my time with people who don't look to be respected. But such good people won't want to spend their time with me.”

Osamu Dazai book The Setting Sun

Source: The Setting Sun

“This I want to believe implicitly: Man was born for love and revolution.”

Osamu Dazai book The Setting Sun

Source: The Setting Sun