Schoolgirl

The novella that first propelled Dazai into the literary elite of post-war Japan, Schoolgirl was essentially the start of his career and gained notoriety for its ironic and inventive use of language. It offers a poignant glimpse into the mind of a Japanese schoolgirl, capturing the fleeting thoughts and emotions of a young woman navigating the complexities of adolescence in post-war Japan. Through her introspective observations, Schoolgirl illuminates the prevalent social structures of a lost time and the struggle of the individual against them—a theme that occupied Dazai's life both personally and professionally. It delves into themes of identity, social expectations, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, allowing readers to experience the world through the eyes of a perceptive schoolgirl as she grapples with self-doubt, societal pressures, and the desire for self-acceptance. This new translation preserves the playful language of the original and offers the reader a new window into the mind of one of the greatest Japanese authors of the 20th century. Perfect for readers of literary fiction and those interested in Japanese culture and coming-of-age stories.