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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Beautiful examination of how trauma affects peoples lives.
The best book ever. The worst book ever.
I'm not sure if I can forgive Yanagihara for giving this novel to the world, or if I should thank her.
A Little Life was beautifully written—the structure, the prose, the characters, all of it.
This novel managed to anger me (i.e., topics, characters, character interactions, etc.), pierce my heart, make me feel sick, make me laugh, and yet, keep me engaged.
I *do not* recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive to scenes and discussions pertaining to trauma, pain/descriptions of physical injury, disability, assault, and discussions on un-aliving one's self.
I *do* recommend it to those who are comfortable (enough) with the aforementioned and are open to learning about them. Personally, though a work of fiction, I found this book to be educational in those departments on an abstract level.
Why isn't this a five-star read? Not because of the writing style or gaps... but because of the controversy behind A Little Life (in recent years) and my cognizance and agreement with some of the issues brought to light.
I'm not sure if I can forgive Yanagihara for giving this novel to the world, or if I should thank her.
A Little Life was beautifully written—the structure, the prose, the characters, all of it.
This novel managed to anger me (i.e., topics, characters, character interactions, etc.), pierce my heart, make me feel sick, make me laugh, and yet, keep me engaged.
I *do not* recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive to scenes and discussions pertaining to trauma, pain/descriptions of physical injury, disability, assault, and discussions on un-aliving one's self.
I *do* recommend it to those who are comfortable (enough) with the aforementioned and are open to learning about them. Personally, though a work of fiction, I found this book to be educational in those departments on an abstract level.
Why isn't this a five-star read? Not because of the writing style or gaps... but because of the controversy behind A Little Life (in recent years) and my cognizance and agreement with some of the issues brought to light.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. Just: wow.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
This book is not my usual cup of tea, I honestly only invested in it for a book club. However, the life lessons you take away at the end of this epic are worth the long read. Jude broke my heart, pissed me off, made me smile, made me feel nauseous, and taught me a lesson in patience and love I will never forget. Willam, an angel Jude always deserved in his life. Harold, the most patient man and a true father figure. I am relieved this book is concluded, but the story of these men will continue to live with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
This novel is one of my all time favorites! I love the characters with all my heart and for all of their flaws. They are such an amazing group of characters so well crafted by Hanya. The story is absolutely astounding. There’s romance, violence, trauma, drama, and so so much more. There is something for everyone in this novel.
If you want to go on an insane emotional journey and make four new best friends please read this book! Even if you don’t want to, read this book. It’s one that every human should read in their lifetime.
If you want to go on an insane emotional journey and make four new best friends please read this book! Even if you don’t want to, read this book. It’s one that every human should read in their lifetime.