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alexmak 's review for:
A Little Life
by Hanya Yanagihara
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have never read a book where I could actually feel the author behind the scenes. It’s like I could see them coming up with each new “twist” or “emotional” moment. The novel was so ridiculous at times that I almost dnf’d it (repeatedly) but I kept thinking, maybe the novel will catch its footing and figure out what it wants to be.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t. I’ve seen this novel advertised in two ways. Let’s begin with a novel about friendship. I ask now—what friendship? I’m told these four men care about each other. I’m told that often. But so rarely does the reader see it. It’s not that the relationships are complex (they’re unfortunately not). It’s that I can’t believe that people who are supposed to care for and love each other would let this plot happen. That is too much a suspension of belief for me.
I’ve also heard it is a gay love story/story about being gay. But it’s … really not. If you’re wanting a nuanced story on this front, go elsewhere. Other reviewers have gone much more in-depth here and have said it much better than I ever could. My only comment is that I think the representation in this novel is beyond harmful.
Finally, to top it all off, the portrayal of mental health was unrealistic and unhealthy. And, not so shockingly, also harmful. It’s hard to say much without entering spoiler territory. Just know that the sole driving purpose of this book seems to be wringing emotions out of readers, and it will do that at the expense of the plot and “characters.”
In sum, I do not know how this book has received so many accolades.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t. I’ve seen this novel advertised in two ways. Let’s begin with a novel about friendship. I ask now—what friendship? I’m told these four men care about each other. I’m told that often. But so rarely does the reader see it. It’s not that the relationships are complex (they’re unfortunately not). It’s that I can’t believe that people who are supposed to care for and love each other would let this plot happen. That is too much a suspension of belief for me.
I’ve also heard it is a gay love story/story about being gay. But it’s … really not. If you’re wanting a nuanced story on this front, go elsewhere. Other reviewers have gone much more in-depth here and have said it much better than I ever could. My only comment is that I think the representation in this novel is beyond harmful.
Finally, to top it all off, the portrayal of mental health was unrealistic and unhealthy. And, not so shockingly, also harmful. It’s hard to say much without entering spoiler territory. Just know that the sole driving purpose of this book seems to be wringing emotions out of readers, and it will do that at the expense of the plot and “characters.”
In sum, I do not know how this book has received so many accolades.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use