Lèprux

The nature of this novel is very dark — I did not find it "fun" or enjoyable in that sense. What made it stand out was its depth. At times, I found Yozo’s struggles deeply relatable. His feeling of alienation and his desperate attempts to find meaning in everything — which eventually led to a path of self-destruction — gave me a clear understanding of why one shouldn't go out of their way to understand things better left unexplored. The way this novel is written feels like a fever dream, yet it’s so detailed. It immerses the reader, making you stop and think before moving to the next page (or at least that was my experience). I found some of Yozo's actions very questionable, yet he wasn’t really to blame. He grew up without guidance. He also sounded almost impulsive, but according to his own thoughts — which he expressed through writing — he seemed very calculated. I know this book falls in the "fiction" category, but what a waste of potential. If only there had been someone there for him, I believe he could’ve had a happy ending. For anyone planning to read this book, don’t expect it to be "fun." It’s very dark and explores the struggles of a man whose dread of human beings is so great he couldn't even express it in words. It’s a well-written novel that revealed a side of human nature I hadn’t seen before. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in darker stories.