Scan barcode
A review by emmalong
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
5.0
I have finally read this book after putting it off for so long and in a way I am glad that I did this. I highly recommend that anyone who plans on reading this is in a solid mental state and has the proper amount of trigger warnings before entering such as self harm, abuse, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and that's not an exhaustive list.
With that being said, this is my favorite writing style I have ever read in. Every detail felt intentional and important to the story. I care so deeply for the characters. I feel as though Jude is someone who is my best friend I wish to protect, Willem is someone I deeply identify with, and Harold is my own father. The characters are so perfectly and beautifully developed that it transcends fiction and becomes like you're reading a story of your own life.
I have read some reviews that consider it hopeless and tragic but in my opinion, and even the opinion of some of the characters in the book, I find it hopeful and finding the beauty in trauma and tragedy when the past cannot be changed or rearranged. That is how I feel and how it made me view the moments that were beautiful and happy.
I am incredibly happy to have read this book, but again, it is important to be in a good mental state and know of the trigger warnings before embarking on a journey with the characters.
With that being said, this is my favorite writing style I have ever read in. Every detail felt intentional and important to the story. I care so deeply for the characters. I feel as though Jude is someone who is my best friend I wish to protect, Willem is someone I deeply identify with, and Harold is my own father. The characters are so perfectly and beautifully developed that it transcends fiction and becomes like you're reading a story of your own life.
I have read some reviews that consider it hopeless and tragic but in my opinion, and even the opinion of some of the characters in the book, I find it hopeful and finding the beauty in trauma and tragedy when the past cannot be changed or rearranged. That is how I feel and how it made me view the moments that were beautiful and happy.
I am incredibly happy to have read this book, but again, it is important to be in a good mental state and know of the trigger warnings before embarking on a journey with the characters.