Young Susumu is at a turning point. Should he continue his education or chase his dream of becoming Japan's most famous actor? And how can he succeed with his father dead, his mother bedridden and an older brother who is a dropout?

Based on the diary of a real-life actor, Susumu's dilemma becomes a uniquely powerful tale of teenage angst and survival.This novel, translated into English for the first time, explores the self-destructive dynamics that are a hallmark of Dazai's fiction, but from a different viewpoint—that of a bright eyed teenager.

The bold, contemporary translation by Michael Day delivers an unforgettable new protagonist for Dazai's many fans.

〇太宰治の長編小説『正義と微笑』初めての英訳版
〇実在の役者の日記に基づいて執筆され、歌舞伎役者を目指す少年の多感な青年期を描いた作品
〇太宰作品に共通する自己破壊的な葛藤を描きつつも、希望に満ちた結末を描いた青春小説