The Setting Sun by Osamu Dazai
This novel follows a once-aristocratic family's adjustment to poverty and irrelevance in post World War II Japan. Though I understand that work is well-regarded as a portrait of those times, I did not draw much from this read.
Many of the characters here deal with an imperceptible sort of irrelevancy. The manner that each character addresses the feeling differs- some turn to drugs or alcohol, others to principled ideas of aristocratic living- but no character seems able to shake the malaise of the low-grade post-war depression that influences every moment. In failing to confront the ever-present question of 'what's the use?', the characters never make that step forward to redefine their lives during this uncertain period of Japanese history.
Pastoralia by George Saunders
A collection of mostly satirical stories accompanies the title novella. Saunders always writes with great empathy for his characters and these enjoyable works are no exception.
One quip from a corporate-type memo serves as an excellent example of what he brings to his readers. In addressing rumors about possible 'mass firings', the memo urges solidarity and commitment to the organizational mission, reminding workers "...let's remember that we are a family and you are the children..." before going on to explain why the firings would not affect upper management.
Dance, Dance, Dance by Haruki Murakami
Much to my surprise, it turned out this book was a sequel to A Wild Sheep Chase. I looked this up, just to make sure, and learned that it is actually book #4 in a series. Huh. I know I read at least #1 and #3. It is written in a way, though, that it easily stands on its own.
What I liked about this work is the way his characters express their worldviews and philosophies without it seeming unnatural to the rhythm of the story. It's constructed logically because each character lacks something they desperately want yet are tortured by their ability to get almost anything else. From that starting point, these worldviews and philosophies are framed as longings and desires which, to me, made quite a bit of sense.
