“A true classic of world literature . . . A masterpiece that has inspired generations of writers in Nigeria, across Africa, and around the world.”  —Barack Obama

A family's fall is the focus of Osamu Dazai's book The Setting Sun, which is set in post-World War Two Japan. Upon her return to Japan from her affluent life in China, the protagonist, Kazuko, discovers that her family is having a difficult time adjusting to the country's shifting political and social landscape. While her mother, who is accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle, must deal with the realities of poverty, her brother Naoji is a frustrated writer. Even with dealing with their own problems and setbacks, they learn about the more significant societal changes that are reshaping Japan. The Setting Sun presents a touching and perceptive analysis of post-war Japanese society and identity through its vivid descriptions and reflective storytelling.