A powerful novel of self-discovery from the author of No Longer Human—now available in English!

Young Susumu is at a turning point. Should he continue his education or chase his dream of becoming Japan's most famous actor? And how can he succeed with his father dead, his mother bedridden and an older brother who is a dropout?

Based on the diary of a real-life actor, Susumu's dilemma becomes a uniquely powerful tale of teenage angst and survival.This novel, translated into English for the first time, explores the self-destructive dynamics that are a hallmark of Dazai's fiction, but from a different viewpoint—that of a bright eyed teenager.

The bold, contemporary translation by Michael Day delivers an unforgettable new protagonist for Dazai's many fans.