43 pages • 1 hour read
Osamu Dazai, Transl. Donald KeeneA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai, translated by Donald Keene, portrays an aristocratic family in post-World War II Japan as they struggle with societal change and personal loss. The narrative focuses on a young woman, her brother, and their mother, highlighting themes of tradition, identity, and modernization.
The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai and Donald Keene is praised for its poignant exploration of Japanese society's post-war disillusionment, with rich character development and lyrical prose. Some critics find it overly melancholic and feel the narrative pace can be slow. Despite this, it remains a compelling read for its historical and cultural insights.
Readers who enjoy The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai and translated by Donald Keene are typically interested in post-war Japanese literature, existential themes, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Yukio Mishima's Confessions of a Mask and Natsume Sōseki's Kokoro will find similar introspective and culturally rich storytelling.
Recommended
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction
Japanese Literature
Post-War Era
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness
Society: Class
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt