Is it normal to feel a sense of anxiety while reading No Longer Human by Dazai Osamu?

Submitted by Chemical_Blackveil t3_zxp2c8 in books

I got this book as a gift for the holidays. I was really excited to get it, because I've been wanting to read into Dazai's works, and found out about him through my partner. I've been doing a lot of research since finding out about him on different Japanese authors from around the same time period.

I myself am a bit of a social reject, similar to the character "Yozo" in the book. I understand to some degree most of what Yozo has described so far. Though, I'm not far into the book yet. It all seems at least somewhat normal to me, however I can't help but feel a deep sense of anxiety while reading. I'm not even on a bad subject in the book right now, and I had to put it down because I felt like I was going to have an anxiety attack.

As a side note, I want to say that I do intend to keep reading after I've calmed down. I'm just trying to make sure that this is a normal occurence while reading the book, because it's extremely rare that I've had this experience with stories. I also understand this book has some triggering themes and topics later in the storyline, so that knowledge could be part of it, but I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

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Bright_Run_1032 t1_j23pcxm wrote

That’s very unsettling OP…are we thinking the same thing, guys…is there a possibility your book might be cursed?

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bunnyju194 t1_j21o2sz wrote

I experienced it that as well. I think it was mostly due to a gut feeling that I had concerning the journey of Yozo's character. It is a very realistic book and when you build a bond, and truly connect with the main character you can almost guess what is bound to happen, as in seeing him further isolating and losing sense of his humanity. The very nonchalant like way of narrating adds to that feeling. It is an incredible book. I believe the book has that intent to cause anxiet and disconfort.

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Chemical_Blackveil OP t1_j21q8ew wrote

I just know that it's a semi-autobiography of Dazai's, and is reported as one of his greatest novels. My partner who introduced me to the book did say that people have a sense of anxiety, depression, or (tw) suicidal ideation after reading, and a lot of people seem to think it's because the author soon after writing this did, sadly, end his life.

I'm currently reasoning that it most likely has something to do with the fact that you're supposed to feel the same thing the point of view is feeling, similar to what you said.

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Due-Ad3082 t1_j21ic04 wrote

It's one of my all times favourites and i had never felt anxiety while reading it. Maybe sudden realization that you are that good of a person provoked by empathy to MC may trigger anxiety? Because I certainly had this kind of empathy amd it is the exact reason i like the book so much. By pointing out flaws it literally makes you a better person. On top of it there is decent anime adaptation in the series called Aoi Bungaku Series

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Chemical_Blackveil OP t1_j21l40q wrote

I do have a lot of empathy towards Yozo, probably because I've personally experienced some of the same thoughts that I've seen Yozo display so far. I've never really thought of myself as a good or bad person though. It's strange, but I really like it and I'm not sure why. Aside from the moments of extreme anxiety, I can't seem to put the book down. I read through two chapters since I posted this story. Also, I might check out that adaptation series you mentioned. I do like anime, so it may be worth a shot.

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Due-Ad3082 t1_j21mbdo wrote

Maybe it just speaks to your subconscious directly? And after finishing and reflexing on it for a bit you might develop reasonable explanation.

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claudiaNeal t1_j22gtky wrote

I did not feel anxiety personally, but if you are feeling anxious remember that you don't have to keep reading it if it's affecting you.

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