• No Longer Human

  • By: Osamu Dazai
  • Narrated by: David Shih
  • Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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No Longer Human  By  cover art

No Longer Human

By: Osamu Dazai
Narrated by: David Shih
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Publisher's summary

"Mine has been a life of much shame. I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being."

Portraying himself as a failure, the protagonist of Osamu Dazai’s NO LONGER HUMAN narrates a seemingly normal life even while he feels himself incapable of understanding human beings. His attempts to reconcile himself to the world around him begin in early childhood, continue through high school, where he becomes a “clown” to mask his alienation, and eventually lead to a failed suicide attempt as an adult. Without sentimentality, he records the casual cruelties of life and its fleeting moments of human connection and tenderness.

Still one of the ten bestselling books in Japan, NO LONGER HUMAN is an important and unforgettable modern classic.

©1958 New Directions Publishing Corp. (P)2016 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The struggle of the individual to fit into a normalizing society remains just as relevant today as it was at the time of writing.” (The Japan Times)

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What listeners say about No Longer Human

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Incredibly Human

Amazing point of perspective. Tragically honest and humbling. It’s interesting when a character is so privileged, brooding, cold and at the same time, pathetic, needy and hopeless. Amazing to meet a character that is in a constant state of self reflection, knows who they are but doesn’t ever really see themselves or know how others see them. Love it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Deception of Self-Perception

This novel is one of the most reflective and thorough study of self-degradation and environmental influence I’ve ever read. Do not skip the translators note either, it’s a great exploration of the cultural context and influence behind the novel. Excellent narration and phenomenal payoff. Highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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Boring

I saw this book recommended on social media. A lot of people remarked that they couldn't finish it... I think I'm missing something.

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