A review by afi_whatafireads
The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

dark emotional reflective relaxing sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An anthology of three short stories, which two stories mainly revolves on the author himself, making it an autobiography leading to his death. Akutagawa's writing has always had a flair that is quite hard to pinpoint, but its one that I really liked.

The three short stories will not be for everyone's cup of tea, which I recommend proceeding in this book with extreme caution of the trigger warnings (Death, Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts) . It highlights the stages of life in which Akutagawa reflects on his life, up till the moment of his death bed.

My thoughts for the different short stories are as follows:

First Story: In A Bamboo Grove

In a bamboo grove is a story where it is told in different perspectives from a murder of man. Its interesting how Akutagawa had arranged the story in such a way that there is a perspective from the sprit of the man himself. It was entertaining at best, mysterious, and until the end, you wouldn't know who to believe and what to expect.


"Ah, what is the life of a human being - a drop of dew, a flash of lightning? This is so sad, so sad."


Super interesting premise! I liked that each Akutagawa's stories, we are left to ponder upon ourselves what had happened which makes it an interesting read!

Second Story : Death Register

The Death Register is the thoughts of the author himself which told about the three people in his family and how they died. It was a recollection of his thoughts, on the people that somehow mattered to him, and also showing how he had felt at each individual's death at the time. It was sorrowful, and I had definitely loved the haku at the end of the story.


"On that particular day, perhaps because I was physically debilitated, I found myself staring at the blackened gravestone in the early spring afternoon sunlight and wondering which of the three had been the most fortunate."

A shimmering of heat -
Outside the grave
Alone I dwell.


Third Story: The Life of A Stupid Man


"I am living now in the unhappiest happiness imaginable. Yet, strangely I have no regrets. I just feel sorry for everyone and anyone unfortunate enough to have had a bad husband, a bad son, a bad father like me. So, goodbye then."


The life of a stupid man is an autobiography that leads to the death of Akutagawa, told in 51 short verses. His writing is one that I loved. It is daunting, sorrowful and mostly, it shows the thoughts of a man that feels empty inside. Stories like this, when a person whom has not experienced this feeling once in their life, would not be able to relate to the story. It was depressing and dark, but for me, it gave me a sense of comfort in his writing.



"......but he knew that not everyone is moved by literature. His own works were unlikely to appeal to people who were not like him, and had not lived a life like his - this was another feeling that was worked upon him."


He wrote on reflections on different parts of his life, and this short essays of his was given to his good friend Kume Masao, and published as it is. Its one thing to read about someone's life, its also another thing to read on suicidal thoughts that eventually lead to death. One thing's for sure, Akutagawa's love for literature and reading is something that is commendable. He reads a lot, even before he took his own life. He tried to find meaning in life but in such a way that at one point, he just felt empty.


"I've heard you want do die,' she said.
"Yes- or rather, it's not so much that I want to die as that I'm tired of living."


This story especially is not made for everyone. It is dark and it will take a toll on you if you're someone that has never gone through a bleak in your life, so do proceed in this story with caution. For those who can relate to his stories and writings, I pray only the best things in life for you, and tho life can seem unfair and dark, it will work it out. Slowly and surely.