“Beautiful feelings make bad literature.”

‘Prequel’ to Dazai’s infamous No Longer Human, this novella describes Yozo Oba’s failed attempt at lover’s suicide and the subsequent time he spends recovering at a sanitarium. It is unique in that it does not follow the typical structure, or one you would expect, at least.

When I first started reading I readied myself for yet another desolate, poignant story from Dazai’s repertoire. However, The Flowers of Buffoonery delivered this desolation with a twist in the form of (albeit existential) asides infused throughout the main plot. These interjections made the book feel more like a journal entry than anything, one that was deeply personal enough to reveal an artist’s insecurities and transform this novel into something truly memorable.

The Flowers of Buffoonery is an intimate expression of a young author’s desire to create something wonderful, even as he grapples with the poison of his own self-hatred.
Dazai criticises himself throughout the novel, fueled by a combination of stark self-awareness and self-depreciation, in a way that must certainly resonate with most of us.

Though, despite his dismay for himself and his writing, Dazai’s nihilistic monologues were refreshingly humorous. (My favourite part is probably when he suggests that I should look in the mirror if I want to see a clown). He picked fun at himself and the themes of his writing while also maintaining this outstanding commentary on the perception of failure amidst a rapidly declining mental state.

I love that this was so different from No Longer Human. If anything, it adds an entirely new layer of depth to that beloved story. Through Dazai’s ramblings, we get to appreciate the development of his writing and take a peek into his mental state as a young writer. The way he ceaselessly breaks the fourth wall almost melds the plot and his own musings into one intimate confession. Or maybe a letter that feels like it's addressed just to you.

Cynical, humorous and brilliant, The Flowers of Buffoonery is a quick, enjoyable read that will make you feel that much closer to Dazai and fall in love with his work that much more.

“What am I but a tangle of uncertainty and pride? That just about sums up this novel.”

(Still in between 3.75 and 4 stars).