The Setting Sun

This is such a vividly described and despairingly tragic tale that it transports you completely into the narrator's mind. Like other books written by Japanese authors, this one has more of an introspective and intimate feel to it rather than a plot-driven story. There's a lot explored... traumas, emotional turbulences, symbolism of snakes. There's not much to the story if you seek to find something plot-wise, but if you wish to experience the heavy feelings of a crumbling Japanese society post-war (with a dash of miserable sadness), then this book is for you.