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A review by ida03a
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
5.0
First of all; this is probably the best book I have ever read and ever will read. This authors way of storytelling, of stringing sentences together and creating such closeness and connection to her characters is just out of this world and astonishing. Never would I have expected a book of 720 pages to have me yearning for more. I genuinely felt like I knew these characters, loved them even and I felt this very odd emptiness once I finished the book. Never before have a book had such an impact on me, and I think that says a lot about the authors talent and the graveness of this novel. I truly belive this will become a future classic and I view it as a masterpiece.
A lot of people describe this book as "trauma porn" and advice against reading it - to that I greatly disagree. This book shows the reality of life, of the complexities within it and that includes both highs and lows. I think the story of Jude's life is realistic, and I belive that many people grow up in such atrocious states. But that is also why the story of his adult life is so important; it shows how a childhood like that so deeply effect one. But it also shows how people around you affects it. It shows the love and friendship between people in such an elegant, beautiful but also real way, that I very much appreciated. I also didn't really find the book as "traumatizing" as I've heard other people describe it as, yes I felt angry and disgusted at some parts and sad at some (especially the end). Maybe I am a little insensitive towards such things but I found it quite tolerable and rather greatly done. Handling hard themes like it is done in A little life is not easy and I found it was done graciously.
I found myself scared to read this book due to the talk around it, and after reading it, I am a little sad I was. I feel like it ruined my reading experience in some ways, always waiting for something that would be too much to handle to happen. Its fascinating to see how others opinions affect ones reading experience.
In my opinion, I think this is a great book and I would 100% recommend it. Yes, self harm and sexual and physical abuse is a big trigger, but I don't think it is as bad as people make it out to be, as it is handled in a good manner and never romanticizes or glorifies the topics.
This is a book that really stays with you and that you will remember forever, and I will always be in awe of the authors skill and talent.
A lot of people describe this book as "trauma porn" and advice against reading it - to that I greatly disagree. This book shows the reality of life, of the complexities within it and that includes both highs and lows. I think the story of Jude's life is realistic, and I belive that many people grow up in such atrocious states. But that is also why the story of his adult life is so important; it shows how a childhood like that so deeply effect one. But it also shows how people around you affects it. It shows the love and friendship between people in such an elegant, beautiful but also real way, that I very much appreciated. I also didn't really find the book as "traumatizing" as I've heard other people describe it as, yes I felt angry and disgusted at some parts and sad at some (especially the end). Maybe I am a little insensitive towards such things but I found it quite tolerable and rather greatly done. Handling hard themes like it is done in A little life is not easy and I found it was done graciously.
I found myself scared to read this book due to the talk around it, and after reading it, I am a little sad I was. I feel like it ruined my reading experience in some ways, always waiting for something that would be too much to handle to happen. Its fascinating to see how others opinions affect ones reading experience.
In my opinion, I think this is a great book and I would 100% recommend it. Yes, self harm and sexual and physical abuse is a big trigger, but I don't think it is as bad as people make it out to be, as it is handled in a good manner and never romanticizes or glorifies the topics.
This is a book that really stays with you and that you will remember forever, and I will always be in awe of the authors skill and talent.