Books about suicide/with suicidal themes?

[Beyond_Repair]

I just finished reading 'No Longer Human' by Osamu Dazai and enjoyed it. I felt I could relate a lot to the main character in some ways. (I wasn't a big fan of his treatment towards his wife getting raped, but the book was written in Japan in the 40s, so I assume it was a product of its time.

Does anyone have any novels that have themes of suicide or the absurdity/futility of life that they enjoy?

 

[XdragonsoulX]

Omg I have so many I've read/listened to recently so I'll just list them in no particular order, not all of these are strictly about suicide, but mental health issues are a theme in all of them

- girl in pieces - Kathleen Glasgow
- suicide notes - Michael Thomas ford
- night falls fast - Kay Redford jamison
- looking for Alaska - John green
- the bridge - bill konigsberg
- how it feels to float - Helena fox

There's some more I've read over the years, but these I've read recently and have a lot of themes with mental health and suicide

 

[Illegal Preclear]

Do films count? I just watched the film 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' and it was incredible. It's a Charlie Kaufman film (guy who did Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and Synechdode, New York). I was thinking of writing up a whole review about it and making a thread because it's a film that embodies the sentiments of everything we all say and feel here on SaSu.

First and foremost - it's not a normie film that demonizes suicide. Charlie Kaufman is too honest and real of an artist for that. The story takes place over the course of the last day of a high school janitor's life before he CTBs. We see both his real life, and a fantasy he has of himself as a younger man, accompanied by a girlfriend he fantasizes himself having. The film is intentionally confusing (in a good way) and it's very much a 'bring your own interpretation' experience. It's the kind of film you need to watch at least twice to truly digest.

In my eyes, I see the 'fantasy girlfriend' as a manifestation of Jake's (the janitor main character) survival instinct and the last of his hope. I could go into it more but I don't want to spoil the experience if you intend on watching it. I feel like it's a film that would connect with so many folks on here.

 

[Beyond_Repair]

Do films count? I just watched the film 'I'm Thinking Of Ending Things' and it was incredible. It's a Charlie Kaufman film (guy who did Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and Synechdode, New York). I was thinking of writing up a whole review about it and making a thread because it's a film that embodies the sentiments of everything we all say and feel here on SaSu.

First and foremost - it's not a normie film that demonizes suicide. Charlie Kaufman is too honest and real of an artist for that. The story takes place over the course of the last day of a high school janitor's life before he CTBs. We see both his real life, and a fantasy he has of himself as a younger man, accompanied by a girlfriend he fantasizes himself having. The film is intentionally confusing (in a good way) and it's very much a 'bring your own interpretation' experience. It's the kind of film you need to watch at least twice to truly digest.

In my eyes, I see the 'fantasy girlfriend' as a manifestation of Jake's (the janitor main character) survival instinct and the last of his hope. I could go into it more but I don't want to spoil the experience if you intend on watching it. I feel like it's a film that would connect with so many folks on here.

I have been meaning to watch that!! I've heard a lot of great things and love Charlie Kaufman, idk why I haven't gotten around to it yet. You should definitely write a review, I'd love to read it!

Have you seen Anomalisa? It's also by Charlie Kaufman and has similar themes, I think if you like his other films you'd like it. Idealization of a significant other and main character syndrome is a big theme in it.

Omg I have so many I've read/listened to recently so I'll just list them in no particular order, not all of these are strictly about suicide, but mental health issues are a theme in all of them

- girl in pieces - Kathleen Glasgow
- suicide notes - Michael Thomas ford
- night falls fast - Kay Redford jamison
- looking for Alaska - John green
- the bridge - bill konigsberg
- how it feels to float - Helena fox

There's some more I've read over the years, but these I've read recently and have a lot of themes with mental health and suicide

Thanks for the recs! I haven't heard of any of these before (except looking for alaska, that's by the same person who wrote the fault in our stars, right?) I will definitely look into these!

 

[AdamOndiAhman]

its not a novel but the book in the link attached purports to be able to educate the reader about the 'real truth' of suicide and the eternal nature of an individuals soul. its worth a read if ur interested. theres a pdf available thats free to download from their website.

Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul

Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul By Anonymous ⟵ All books Download free PDF English Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul Anonymous Description on Back of Book

realilluminati.org

 

[Illegal Preclear]

Have you seen Anomalisa? It's also by Charlie Kaufman and has similar themes, I think if you like his other films you'd like it. Idealization of a significant other and main character syndrome is a big theme in it.

That's on my list! The first film I saw of his Being John Malkovich back when I was in high school, and all my buddies just loved how bizarre it was. Then many years later I saw Synechdode, New York and fell in love with his work. He presents a brutal honesty about death you just don't get anywhere else. Not just death but the nature of identity and never truly being understood by the people around you.

 

[thebelljarrr]

Omg I have so many I've read/listened to recently so I'll just list them in no particular order, not all of these are strictly about suicide, but mental health issues are a theme in all of them

- girl in pieces - Kathleen Glasgow
- suicide notes - Michael Thomas ford
- night falls fast - Kay Redford jamison
- looking for Alaska - John green
- the bridge - bill konigsberg
- how it feels to float - Helena fox

There's some more I've read over the years, but these I've read recently and have a lot of themes with mental health and suicide

Girl In Pieces and Looking For Alaska are two in my top favs.
For u and the op, If u haven't read it alr, u might like All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.

 

[Beyond_Repair]

its not a novel but the book in the link attached purports to be able to educate the reader about the 'real truth' of suicide and the eternal nature of an individuals soul. its worth a read if ur interested. theres a pdf available thats free to download from their website.

Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul

Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul By Anonymous ⟵ All books Download free PDF English Suicide and the Eternal Nature of the Soul Anonymous Description on Back of Book

realilluminati.org

Interesting, thanks for the recommendation! Is it related to the illuminati, as the link would suggest?

Girl In Pieces and Looking For Alaska are two in my top favs.
For u and the op, If u haven't read it alr, u might like All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.

I haven't read that, I'll need to look into it. Thanks! :)

 

[murmur]

I just finished reading 'No Longer Human' by Osamu Dazai and enjoyed it.

I just re-read that one, his shame and silly (but in reality aloof) nature is something I can really relate with.
"how much I feared them all, and how I was cursed by the unhappy peculiarity that the more I feared people the more I was liked, and the more I was liked the more I feared them—a process which eventually compelled me to run away from everybody."

I recommend STUDIES IN PESSIMISM
There's a chapter dedicated to suicide in there, the whole lot of it is worth the read though. Very straight to the point, yet bluntly human, lights a fire within while simultaneously emptying you of hope. A little outdated but at times its surprising that it was written in 1890.

 

[Beyond_Repair]

I just re-read that one, his shame and silly (but in reality aloof) nature is something I can really relate with.
"how much I feared them all, and how I was cursed by the unhappy peculiarity that the more I feared people the more I was liked, and the more I was liked the more I feared them—a process which eventually compelled me to run away from everybody."

I recommend STUDIES IN PESSIMISM
There's a chapter dedicated to suicide in there, the whole lot of it is worth the read though. Very straight to the point, yet bluntly human, lights a fire within while simultaneously emptying you of hope. A little outdated but at times its surprising that it was written in 1890.

I read the section on pessimism, that was an interesting read! I agree with the idea that more is needed besides "suicide bad!" and shaming to explain why suicide is, in fact, morally wrong.

I love that quote btw, probably one of the most relatable observations in the book for me

 

[rizleechboy]

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a classic. Some details are so perfectly accurate. Read that around the time of my suicide plan when I was 16. Never attempted in the end. There's also It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. Has a more positive outlook in the end.

 

[Beyond_Repair]

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a classic. Some details are so perfectly accurate. Read that around the time of my suicide plan when I was 16. Never attempted in the end. There's also It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. Has a more positive outlook in the end.

The Bell Jar is one that I've always been meaning to read, but never got around to. I need to check it out.

Weirdly I'm drawn to authors who have CTB'd, I guess due to feeling a kind of kinship with them and seeking a sense of connection to someone who had chosen to take their own life

 

[Mersault]

Not a novel, but you should take a look at this one

 

[Trismegistus_13]

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho (famous Brazilian author) is a fantastic book. It's about a Slovenian woman who attempts suicide by taking a bunch of pills, only to wake up trapped in a psychiatric hospital and told she has days to live because of the side effects. Most of the book is about her reflecting on her attempt, meeting new people, coming to terms with her failing health and making peace with her life.

 

[Beyond_Repair]

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho (famous Brazilian author) is a fantastic book. It's about a Slovenian woman who attempts suicide by taking a bunch of pills, only to wake up trapped in a psychiatric hospital and told she has days to live because of the side effects. Most of the book is about her reflecting on her attempt, meeting new people, coming to terms with her failing health and making peace with her life.

That sounds interesting, will check it out! I read The Alchemist by the same author and enjoyed it.

Not a novel, but you should take a look at this one

I read the first few pages and will definitely continue reading when I have the time. Very interesting, I love nuanced takes on suicide that omit personal feelings and judgements about the subject. Thanks for sharing!

 

[sinfonia]

Thomas Ligotii - The conspiracy against the human race

 

[scarlet-pixie]

Not entirely sure how well this fits since the suicide theming becomes less important as the story progresses but I picked up Black Paradox by Junji Ito earlier this month and I really loved it.

The story follows a group of four people who meet online and decide to CTB together, their group suicide fails though and events take a turn for the bizarre
after one of their group begins vomiting up mysterious, bright gems.

 

[black.dahlia]

I just finished reading 'No Longer Human' by Osamu Dazai and enjoyed it. I felt I could relate a lot to the main character in some ways. (I wasn't a big fan of his treatment towards his wife getting raped, but the book was written in Japan in the 40s, so I assume it was a product of its time.

Does anyone have any novels that have themes of suicide or the absurdity/futility of life that they enjoy?

not sure if this is exactly what youre looking for, but demon copperhead is a very good book. even though its long as hell, its a very realistic depiction of growing up in a poorly funded small town, addiction, foster care, death, and trauma. the book is basically about the main character trying to pinpoint "where it all went wrong" in his life so far, with him recounting all the traumatic and noteworthy experiences hes been through while he was growing up. the narrator also makes it fun to read, and makes it seem like youre reading about actual people you know.
its not strictly about suicide or anything, but the narrator doesnt enjoy being alive by any means, so do what you will with that

 

[Beyond_Repair]

Thomas Ligotii - The conspiracy against the human race

I have this one on my list! Thanks!

Not entirely sure how well this fits since the suicide theming becomes less important as the story progresses but I picked up Black Paradox by Junji Ito earlier this month and I really loved it.

The story follows a group of four people who meet online and decide to CTB together, their group suicide fails though and events take a turn for the bizarre
after one of their group begins vomiting up mysterious, bright gems.

I enjoy Junji Ito but haven't heard of/read this one! It sounds interesting, I'll need to check it out. Thanks :)

not sure if this is exactly what youre looking for, but demon copperhead is a very good book. even though its long as hell, its a very realistic depiction of growing up in a poorly funded small town, addiction, foster care, death, and trauma. the book is basically about the main character trying to pinpoint "where it all went wrong" in his life so far, with him recounting all the traumatic and noteworthy experiences hes been through while he was growing up. the narrator also makes it fun to read, and makes it seem like youre reading about actual people you know.
its not strictly about suicide or anything, but the narrator doesnt enjoy being alive by any means, so do what you will with that

I have heard of this but haven't looked into it too deeply, it sounds intriguing though. I'll check it out, thanks for sharing :)

 

[billie]

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

 

[Ligottian]

The Sorrows of Young Werther, Goethe, (1776)

 

[tary]

Another book that's not a novel, The Savage God: A Study of Suicide by Al Alvarez.
It goes through the history of suicide, theories about it and how it was portrayed in literature throughout the times.
It also has a case study of the suicide of Sylvia Plath, who the author was acquainted with personally.

 

[Coconut blue]

not a book but really gotta recommend anne sexton's poetry

 

[wCvML2]

Random fiction novel with themes of suicide and the futility of life is 'I Who Have Never Known Men' by Jacqueline Harpman. It is a dystopian novel about a group of people in a hopeless situation trying to survive with what they have and figure out the world around them but as time wears them off they crave death more and more. I think it accurately depicts suicidality through the perspective of the suicidal.