ARCHIVED IN-PERSON EVENT - The Japan Society Book Club: Early Light by Osamu Dazai
Date
Monday 12 February 2024
Time
7.00pm
Venue
The Japan Society
13 / 14 Cornwall Terrace
London NW1 4QP
Booking Details
Free for members of The Japan Society
Book available from Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Waterstones (translated by Donald Keene)
Japanese version available here
Please help us to keep this event free and open to all!The activities of The Japan Society are made possible thanks to the support of its members. If you are planning to attend this event and are not a member (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5. Thank you!   |
Early Light is a collection of three stories by Osamu Dazai that exemplify a semi-autobiographical I-novel genre and reflect post-war Japan's turmoil. Published in 1946, these narratives delve deep into the psyche of individuals grappling with existential crises, societal pressures, and personal conflicts. Dazai's characters navigate love, despair, and the struggle for identity against the backdrop of a changing society, showcasing the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations. With haunting prose and introspective storytelling, Dazai weaves a tapestry of human emotions, offering poignant insights into the complexities of the human experience and the search for meaning in an evolving world.
Osamu Dazai (1909-1948), was a renowned Japanese author whose introspective works explored the human psyche with haunting sincerity. Celebrated for masterpieces like No Longer Human and The Setting Sun, his literary prowess delved into post-war Japan's complexities, unraveling themes of alienation and existential turmoil. Dazai's haunting narratives, blending melancholy and dark humour, resonated profoundly, offering stark insights into the human psyche. Mirroring his characters' struggles, his life tragically concluded at 38. Despite his brevity, Dazai's legacy endures, influencing generations with his raw, introspective tales that continue to captivate and profoundly impact readers worldwide.
If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.
Booking Info
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- If you are not a member of The Japan Society (as an individual or through your employer), please consider becoming a member or making a donation if you can - the recommended donation is £5.