A review by madisen1213
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

dark 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

3.75

I have spent some time trying to fully gather my thoughts when it comes to fully being able to immerse myself into an authentic and genuine review of this novel. Firstly, diving into this book I was not afraid and knew of the plethora of triggers this book maintained. However, I have to disagree with the discourse of labeling this book, this story as “trauma porn”.  I can absolutely see how this story could make someone have a visceral and triggering reaction. However, I hope that whomever reads this book is an adult and can know when to stop reading. Additionally, as a reader I made time to remind myself that it is a privilege to just be reading about it. Many people have lived such a life as Jude and it is a privilege we should recognize before going forward with a poor review because it made you or someone else uncomfortable or sick. Yes. These experiences are sickening, gut wrenching, and traumatic even as a reader. And yet, free will exists. Stop reading. For much of this story, I was concerned about when that cry moment would be for me. I’ve seen so much discussion online about where and when people fell apart. I cried once and it had nothing to do with Jude’s past but his present. Losing Willem, that gut punch of grief hit me like a truck. Grief is such a universal language for us humans and it is familiar to me. I have felt what Jude felt and I fell apart, completely. Statistically the most stressful thing to happen to a human not losing a child but losing their partner or their spouse. I felt that emanating from the pages. It was so heavy. I felt almost bad that it was that to make me cry and nothing more, I suppose life experiences, knowledge, and a certain level of stomach may be the reason I am not sure. Now, I will dive into the things I absolutely adored about this story. Firstly, I loved the premise and theme of unconditional love and friendship. How restorative and life changing one’s friendships can be. I loved the themes of chosen family and adoption. Jude’s relationships with Harold and Julia specifically are undeniably priceless. Additionally, I appreciated how much the author slowly started to unfold Jude’s trauma, I did not feel overwhelmed. It flowed with his trajectory as a character and for which I admire that. I LOVED JBs art. The impact each series and portraits had on the characters and even their meaning within the story was so valuable. I also felt that the author did a fucking fantastic job displaying how trauma manifests and how depression and other mental issues can appear in one person versus another. Jude’s experience is so real and seen in so many around us. We just never get to know it. I think that may be the hardest part about this book. People cannot and CHOOSE not to empathize with those who struggle. Yes it is hard but for some it is necessary. That is why self reflection is so important when reading a piece like this!!! There are a few reasons why this book is not 5 stars for me. 1. I wish there was more perspective shifts. There was so much JB and Mal in the beginning and then it halted. I understand that was likely due to their involvement in Judes life. At least labels of a perspective shift may be helpful for some readers. 2. I wish we got to hear more about their beginnings of their friendships. Or where Jude learned piano and other small but important items. 3. SOME of this novel was wordy and sort of dragged for me, it is beautiful and challenging and I am so glad I read it but at times some of those philosophical or profound instances were unnecessary. And lastly, I wish there was an Andy perspective. I loved Andy so much. Overall, this was such a fantastic read. I’m so glad I read it. I recommend it to no one. For me, it was worth it. 
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