Osamu Dazai, a prominent Japanese writer, despite his brief life from 1909 to 1948, is recognized as one of the most read authors in Japan during the last century. His tragic life was marked by strict societal codes; he was disinherited by his father after it was discovered that he had relationships with a geisha. Additionally, his associations with communism led to further persecution, and he ultimately succumbed to depression after several suicide attempts, achieving his goal in the last attempt by drowning himself at an age under forty.

Dazai's novel "The Twilight" is particularly notable as it gained him fame during his lifetime. Published after World War II, the narrative starkly reflects the decline of Japan, mirroring the political and cultural decay of the time. The book draws an evident parallel between the themes of decline and the struggle to confront a past that many preferred to ignore. Unlike other novels that depict the fall of a family, Dazai's work offers a broader commentary on the societal issues facing Japan in the post-war era.

The review emphasizes the literary significance of "The Twilight" in understanding Japan's historical context and the author's painful personal experiences. The novel not only captures a moment in time but also resonates with universal themes of loss and despair, making it a landmark work in Japanese literature.