Reviews tagging 'Car accident'

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

1922 reviews

amyvl93's review

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.75

Nothing makes me feel older than seeing the internet reaction to A Little Life shift from it being discussed as a masterpiece to being almost cancelled for its portrayal of its main character. After my Mum insisted that I read this, I decided to finally take the plunge, in case January wasn't depressing enough.

For anyone who somehow hasn't come across this novel, A Little Life in theory follows a group of four men from their time at college together through their adulthood. However as the novel progresses we zero in on Jude, who is source of mystery to his friends and whose traumatic past and present becomes the focal point of the novel.

I came away from A Little Life feeling confused. It is indisputable that Yanagihara is exceptionally talented at characterisation. The central friendship group in particular - Willem, JB and Malcolm feel incredibly real, as does the slightly rareified art scene they all exist in do. I also really liked Harold and Julia, and how they form a chosen family relationship with Jude. The detail and complexity that Yanighara built into the interactions of all the characters felt both raw and true.

However. And it is a big however. I found the exploration of Jude's trauma and his experience to be unremittingly dark. Whilst I don't buy the complaint that it is unrealistic - as unfortunately cycles of abuse are true and exist - I will say it felt overly heightened. I felt that Yanighara dwelled on descriptions that did not need to have that much time spent on them. Others have said this and I agree that the complete dearth of hope and optimism in this novel made it hard to read - and noting that Yanighara has since said that she actively wanted to write a protaganist that never gets better left me wondering what readers are supposed to take from this other than exhaustion. When the final removal of hope happened in this novel I came close to slamming it down.

I also found Jude a hard protagonist to invest in. He has access to an insane amount of resources, is apparently the most gifted man to walk the planet (can bake and sing exceptionally, in addition to being an exceptional and morally bad lawyer) and exceptionally attractive but seemingly won't take responsibility for trying to address his trauma until it is frankly too late. The novel standing by him, whilst treating others who had also felt loss (such as death of family members, addiction etc) as needing to just get it together felt confusing tonally to me.

I can totally understand why A Little Life caused such as stir when it was first released, but I hope for books in the future that can tackle both the light and the dark that make up human lives.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Car accident

sofilart's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

2.0

 A Little Life is a deeply complex novel that elicits both hope and despair in equal measure. You find yourself rooting for the main character, Jude St. Francis, to find peace and happiness while simultaneously dreading—and at times anticipating—the inevitability of his demise. These conflicting emotions are at the core of the book’s polarizing nature.

The story chronicles Jude’s life through a series of flashbacks detailing his harrowing childhood marked by abuse and his journey into adulthood, where he navigates love, friendship, and professional success while grappling with relentless trauma, illness, and grief. This duality—hope and despair, beauty and suffering—permeates the narrative, making its reception unsurprisingly divisive. Some have labeled the novel as "misery-porn," while others hail it as "a love letter to life." For some readers, Jude's pain may exacerbate their own struggles, while others might find solace in his moments of happiness and his enduring friendships. Regardless of perspective, the novel raises questions that linger long after its final pages, though I personally struggled with aspects of its execution.

Hanya Yanagihara is undeniably a talented writer, her vivid and evocative prose bringing Jude’s experiences to life with an intensity that is both captivating and harrowing. However, the structure of the novel and the expectations set by its synopsis feel misleading. The book is introduced as a story of four friends—Jude, JB, Malcolm, and Willem—yet it quickly narrows its focus almost exclusively to Jude. While Willem plays a significant role in Jude's life, JB is reduced to a largely antagonistic presence, and Malcolm fades into the background, barely contributing to the narrative. This shift leaves the reader feeling disconnected from what initially seemed like an ensemble story, with the other characters serving more as satellites to Jude’s world rather than fully realized individuals.

One of the novel’s strengths is its timeless, almost ethereal quality. Spanning six decades, the story unfolds in a world where technology like cell phones exists, yet historical or geopolitical events—such as 9/11—are conspicuously absent. Even the characters' careers, many of which would naturally involve public scrutiny, exist in a vacuum devoid of external pressures. This insular focus underscores the title’s premise: this is Jude’s little life, and the outside world is irrelevant. While this approach adds to the intimacy of the narrative, it also stretches plausibility, particularly with the characters’ seemingly endless wealth, fame, and success. Additionally, certain technical aspects, such as medical procedures and illnesses, are reportedly invented by the author, which feels like a missed opportunity for authenticity in such a grounded, human story.

Ultimately, A Little Life was not a novel I enjoyed. Its slow pace, character-driven approach, and unrelenting focus on suffering made it difficult for me to connect with the story. While I understand that the narrative’s purpose is to show that Jude’s pain is inescapable, the repetitive and almost gratuitous depiction of his suffering felt morbid and, at times, tedious. That said, the novel did provoke reflection on significant issues like mental health, trauma, and euthanasia, which I believe are vital conversations to have. While the book may not have resonated with me, it holds the potential to spark important debates and offer comfort to those who find their own struggles mirrored in Jude’s journey. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment

mrs_murphtzer's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

Well, folks, I did it. I read the capital I It book. And it was exactly what the internet says it is: beautiful, heartbreaking.

To the beautiful note: this writer has a lot of skill. The way he moves time and narrator and sensation is fantastic. I found myself highlighting portions I was moved by, and I’m not a note taker really.

To the heartbreaking note: there is so so so much pain this this book. So much abuse of all kinds. Really really go in expecting to read some terrible stuff. 

It was a lot. By the end I was exhausted. I do not think I will ever reread it. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

thepumpkinreads's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective 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

5.0

So tragic, beautiful, heartbreaking and raw. This book reflects on the complexities of the individual human existence and tragedies some must experience. This book will leave you with your heart bleeding in your hands and appreciating everyone just a little more.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail

lotta_8's review

dark emotional informative mysterious relaxing sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Challenging read. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

emstermeegs'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? It's complicated

5.0

I think it's a 5 star read, but I will loop back and adjust as needed with some time and space. Everything is much too fresh for me, and I don't know what to feel. 

At times beautiful, but also deeply tragic, this will stick with me. I couldn't put it down. I loved these humans, flaws and all. I don't know what to do with the many emotions I feel. 

All I know is that this is the greatest book I will never recommend people read. I don't think I could do that to someone. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Confinement, Drug abuse, and Drug use

icbarka's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.5

Rough read. It made you ask challenging questions. I learned a lot also. It fell a little flat though I had high expectations. It begged the question “when are you responsible for your own healing?” But also “maybe someone cannot heal at all” Life ain’t good for everyone. It was worth the read but I would search up trigger warnings for those it might concern. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment

itsme_bianca's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad 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

Make sure you have tissues on you at all times! It is a challenging read, not to be taken lightly, and might require some therapy...If you are someone who has been through (or is still going through) traumatic experiences, this book is a must. If you know someone who has been through (or is still going through) traumatic experiences, this book is a must. It is cathartic but not in a way you might expect, so be prepared and allow this book to take up a lot of emotional space within you. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Drug abuse, Sexual content, Vomit, and Medical content

curryduttan's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative 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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

diabro87's review against another edition

slow-paced

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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail