What grew out of fannish obsession (thanks Bungo Stray Dogs) has turned into I actually really like this author now. My library has a copy of Flowers of Buffoonery, and so of course it found its way into my bag.

Flowers of Buffoonery has two layers of narrative. The frame is a late 20s burnout writer struggling to write his novel. Said novel is the story of Yozo Oba, a cartoonist recovering from a suicide attempt in the Blue Pines Manor sanatorium. Like in some of Dazai-san’s other works, there are callbacks to Dazai-san’s real life, moments of despair, and touches of humor in a story with minimal plot and lots of feelings.

The frame narrative with the author had me in stitches with its relatability. I felt like I was sitting beside the author as he edited a manuscript draft for the 10th time, utterly sick of it but knowing he has to change it up to get it published. Balancing truth and fiction, deciding to write what is experimental (for art’s sake) and what is known (for money): I struggle with these questions too! Hilariously, the author wails that he wants to write a classic. Good job, bud! You did it! 

Yozo’s journey was a fascinating study on the psychology of young men. They joke, they roughhouse; they guard delicate feelings and make overtures of peace before harm is even committed. Traditional society and its obsessions with reputation do the most harm to these sensitive, young human beings. Cracking under all of society’s required bluster, Yozo just wants to paint and create something good. The blurb positions Flowers of Buffoonery as a prequel to No Longer Human, but truly it’s ambiguous. The tragicomedy ends with hope.

If you’re interested in Dazai-san’s work, Flowers of Buffoonery is a great starting point. Many of his motifs are present, but softened and more accessible than other work. Pick up a copy!