Knowing that the author killed himself in suicide attempt is somewhat making me a bit dejected to read his book. What a life as an author, of being Akutagawa. This book consists of three short stories of which I'm quite satisfied with the writings.
In a Bamboo Grove-- a story of testimonies about a murder. Mysterious but fascinating. Strangely ended with a testimony by the dead man himself, of which, still, I have no idea whom I should trust.
Death Register-- Most favorite. A story based on Akutagawa's life. About his family, mother and his childhood. This story making me go and google more about Akutagawa. Quite interesting, and a bit sorrowful honestly. I love the haiku at the end of the story.
A shimmering of heat--
Outside the grave
Alone I dwell.
The Life of a Stupid Man-- started with a note to his friend, Kume Masao, which very beautifully written-- "I am living now in the unhappiest happiness imaginable. Yet, strangely, I have no regrets. I may wear the skin of an urbane sophiticate, but in this manuscript I invite you to strip it off and laugh at my stupidity." This story basically a summary of Akutagawa's life tells in 51 fragments. All that small things happening thoughout his life that probably a life changing to him, a dramatic encounter and journey, a certain feelings and expressions. A bit depressing and giving me some sort of unknown distress.
"Ah, what is the life of a human being-- a drop of dew, a flash of lightning? This is so sad, so sad."
Loving the book nevertheless. My first of Ryūnosuke Akutagawa!