And Then

Daisuke, a 30-year-old intellectual from a wealthy family, spends his days in isolation despite living in bustling Meiji-era Tokyo. His self-imposed withdrawal stems from his rejection of Japan's rapid modernization and the societal expectations placed upon him. The protagonist's routine of idleness is disrupted when he becomes entangled with his former classmate Hiraoka and Hiraoka's wife Michiyo. Their presence forces Daisuke to confront his past decisions and current lifestyle. Through Daisuke's internal struggles and interactions, the narrative explores the tension between personal desire and social duty during Japan's transition into the modern age. The work stands as an examination of individualism versus tradition, and the price of living according to one's principles.

Readers appreciate the psychological depth and detailed examination of male friendship in this follow-up to Sanshiro. Many note the realistic portrayal of Japan's rapid modernization and its effects on personal relationships during the Meiji period. Common praise focuses on the nuanced character development and the honest depiction of human nature. One reader called it "a masterclass in showing the small moments that shape our choices." Several reviews highlight the quality of the English translation by Norma Moore Field. Main criticisms include the slow pacing, particularly in the first third, and what some see as an anticlimactic ending. Multiple readers mention difficulty connecting with the protagonist's internal struggles. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon Japan: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) "The narrative style takes patience but rewards careful reading," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another writes, "Less accessible than Kokoro, but equally profound in its psychological insights."

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No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai The protagonist's struggle with alienation and inability to connect with society unfolds through confessional notebooks that chronicle his descent.

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🔖 "And Then" (Sorekara) was published in 1909 as a serialized novel in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, marking the middle volume of Sōseki's trilogy along with "Sanshirō" and "The Gate." 🎨 The protagonist, Daisuke, represents the emergence of individualism in Meiji-era Japan, challenging traditional values through his pursuit of personal desire over societal duty. 📚 Sōseki wrote this novel while suffering from severe depression and stomach ulcers, conditions that would plague him throughout his literary career and eventually lead to his death in 1916. 🗾 The book explores the conflict between Western modernization and Japanese traditions during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a theme that resonated deeply with Japanese readers experiencing rapid social change. 💬 The Japanese title "Sorekara" (それから) literally means "and then" or "after that," suggesting both continuation and consequence—themes that run throughout the narrative as Daisuke grapples with his choices.