Reviews tagging 'Hate crime'

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

218 reviews

evieold's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Not a book I could recommend when people asked as it is full of every trauma you could ever imagine.  My heart breaks for all the characters throughout and I had to put it down towards the end (those who have read it will know the point I am talking about) to steel myself emotionally to finish.  However, it is the most comprehensive and deep character development I have ever read in a book and truly describes what it is to love and have lost,  and what I can only imagine it is like to live with such deep trauma.  

Not a fan of trauma for traumas sake as so many brand this genre and books like ‘My Year Of Rest And Relaxation’, but this does not compare as it has a deeper level of truth, of a real life.  

A true masterpiece of what to live a life is like, and the emotions, contradictions, and trauma which can come with it.  A book, although painful, I will read many times more, and that is saying something from someone who does not reread books often if at all. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Rape, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, Medical content, Hate crime, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, Body horror, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Terminal illness, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Pedophilia, Gaslighting, Gore, Torture, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Vomit, Body shaming, Car accident, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Addiction, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Kidnapping

angielivesandbreathes's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Rape, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Car accident, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Drug use, Death, Kidnapping, Cursing, Hate crime, Vomit, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Child death, Outing, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Ableism

zayzay2's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I could speak about this book for hours. It's beautifully written which is why the ratting is higher, if it isn't for the writing and some of the lovable characters such as jude's mother and dad, I would have rated it a 1/5. The characters were very diverse when it come to race, sexuality, personalities, jobs, class, options which I loved seeing the different characters interact and think it was insightful. I don't usually read slaw based books as it puts me in a reading slump but I was hooked, the writing had me on my toes and I never knew what would come next (except the ending). Now the things I didn't like the characters watched while Jude suffered they saw how BAD he was struggling, most of the responsibility was on he's doctor(he's friend) and he's later boyfriend. They new how bad he wanted to die he attempted suicide, he self harms severely and they saw but no one put him In a mental hospital which is legal. He was a danger to himself and no one forced him to go which frustrated me, if I loved my partner I don't care how much they will hate me after it's my responsibility to get them help. He refused therapy at first so you know he won't do it if he's not forced, he's doctor has the responsibility and I see as neglect he let he's love for him get in the way and he's feelings which is no excuse. I kept thinking 'come on guys!!' it felt like I was watching a plain crash and I knew the ending was coming, it felt unfair that Jude had to live with all that trauma and pain and he didn't help the only answer would obviously be suicide. I did not see William dying at all my mouth was hanging, I'm glad I didn't see spoilers from that. He's dad bless him didn't know how bad Jude was and he's mom was clueless, so really it's only he's bestfriends and the doctor that new the state he was truly in. I felt a lot of neglect from the characters in behalf of Jude he's a mentally unwell person, also interesting that he's sexuality was ambiguous as he has only been with men from teenage-hood due to rape but no mention of him exploring with women. Meaning trauma can manifest in your 'sexuality' even though we don't know and I think did he know he's real sexuality not that it mattered to me just interesting note I saw. The ending for me of almost half of the characters dying was shooking didn't see that coming, which also makes sense why Jude ended up committing suicide 'what's the point of life now?' as he was only living for William. Also found it interesting that the writer didn't fake it and say he finally lived for himself we knew he didn't want to, so he had to live for someone and that was William now that he's gone what is left in this world?. Didn't like how Jude's mental health was described as I the reader started to feel rained from him rather than feel sorry, I started to feel nothing for him as he left no room for anyone to comment. If anyone said anything to help him he would self-harm and shut down which no one wanted, so they would not help and try and get him support like therapy , therapy wasn't needed a MENAL HOSPITAL WAS. I didn't see the need for the extreme trauma porn, there was no lesson learnt for the reader, there was no understanding of read mental health as not a lot of people go through what Jude went through. 50 things in he's life is impossible and no one could handle such things, it's the worst care scenario which didn't really need to be there could have been a real life story that was written.   

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Suicide attempt, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Mental illness, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Car accident, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Torture

Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Chronic illness, Pandemic/Epidemic, Physical abuse, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, Blood, Body shaming, Body horror, Bullying, Rape, Car accident, Classism, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, and Mental illness

laylamaethaila's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was an INCREDIBLY hard read. Yahnagihara is such a compelling, jaw dropping writer, and made me feel SO MUCH in like, 700 pages. -.5 for being a bit “trauma porn-y”

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Eating disorder, Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Death, Incest, Grief, Gaslighting, Ableism, Xenophobia, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, Racism, Physical abuse, Medical content, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual harassment, Self harm, and Lesbophobia

miwandie's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’ll be thinking about Jude for the rest of my life, probably. 

Was a little egregious with some assumptions of different groups.

Also a little too violent towards the disabled for me, in a way that did not enhance the plot or character development.

Jude didn’t need his experiences sandblasted on his forehead in order to be understood. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Grief, Car accident, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Ableism, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Medical content, Self harm, Hate crime, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Terminal illness

angelo_vossen's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a literary piece of art that immerses the reader in a tapestry of friendships, trauma, and the intricacies of human connection. The novel, that should come with a long list of trigger warnings, revolves around four college friends — Willem, Jude, Malcolm, and JB — whose lives become interwoven as they navigate the challenging terrain of adulthood in New York City.

Yanagihara's writing is both lyrical and unflinching, drawing readers into the rich emotional landscapes of her characters. At the heart of the narrative is Jude St. Francis, a complex and enigmatic figure whose painful past unfolds gradually, leaving a profound impact on both the characters within the story and those reading it. The exploration of trauma (or rather trauma after trauma after trauma) is at the forefront, and Yanagihara's narrative deftly navigates the haunting effects of abuse, resilience, and the quest for self-identity.

The novel's length and unrelenting focus on suffering may be a hurdle for some readers, as the narrative demands emotional engagement and contemplation. However, this intense exploration is precisely what makes "A Little Life" a powerful and thought-provoking work. The characters are meticulously crafted, and their evolution over the decades feels authentic and poignant. Even though unpredictable time jumps and perspective changes have led to initial confusion for me, the novel never failed to maintain a red thread and managed to use those departures in an otherwise chronological timeline to enrich the story and make the reading hurt even more (resulting in me crying several times - even on the train on my way to work - and feeling hollow and empty after finishing the novel).

Yanagihara's (honestly: Are you okay after writing this?) prose not only captures the rawness of pain but also offers moments of tenderness and beauty, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and life-affirming. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the nature of love, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. The bonds formed between the characters are a testament to the strength that can be found in connection, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

While "A Little Life" may not be for everyone due to its weighty themes and emotional intensity, those who embark on this literary journey will find themselves profoundly moved. It is a novel that lingers in the mind, inviting contemplation on the enduring impact of the past and the transformative power of human connection. Yanagihara's storytelling elevates "A Little Life" beyond a mere novel — it becomes an immersive and transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's soul.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Vomit, Sexual violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Sexual assault, Chronic illness, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, and Rape

Moderate: Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Vomit, Rape, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Abandonment, Chronic illness, Grief, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Eating disorder, and Sexual violence

shannon1954's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I do not recommend this book to read to anyone unless you are in a mentally good and secure space and environment.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Biphobia, Adult/minor relationship, Addiction, Sexual content, Self harm, Hate crime, Grief, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Suicide, Medical trauma, Classism, Chronic illness, Child abuse, Car accident, Toxic relationship, Racism, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Toxic friendship, Fatphobia, Cursing, Body horror, Ableism, Mental illness, Eating disorder, Child death, Body shaming, Rape, Xenophobia, Violence, Pedophilia, Vomit, and Torture

mhjmojo's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Holy. F*ck.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Chronic illness, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Homophobia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Physical abuse, Self harm, Alcoholism, Drug use, Eating disorder, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Terminal illness, Violence, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Grief, Medical content, Alcohol, Blood, Suicide, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Hate crime, and Suicidal thoughts

sapphicbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Violence, Pedophilia, Death, Medical content, Mental illness, Ableism, Physical abuse, Grief, Rape, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Trafficking, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Terminal illness, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Sexual violence, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Torture

cfdurham's review against another edition

dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

You deeply feel for the characters, even in their worst moments. Many, many, many trigger warnings — the pain endured by one of the characters was more vile than I could even imagine before reading this. This is some of the most beautiful writing I’ve encountered. Even so, I don’t think I would recommend this book to anyone. You’ll experience characters in a way you have never before, and you will feel everything: good and (very) bad. Read if you are able to.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Torture, Blood, Ableism, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, and Body horror