A review by pennym_
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

dark emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.0

grotesque in the way of artwork. even years after finishing this book, i still have not sorted out my feelings about it. does it go to far? was the authors purpose in writing it corrupt? does that intention matter? i dont know. i dont agree with the thesis, at least i dont think so, but i also think this book accomplishes what it set out to do, and it also felt brutally honest in ways i greatly appreciate. i dont think i could ever put myself through reading it again to sort out my feelings. and yet i dont think i will ever get it out of my head. read it or dont, but above all take care of yourself.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Fatphobia