A review by realityhailey
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

considering the fact that i’ve tried to read this book for SO LONG, i really wanted to give it five stars. i enjoyed the way the author writes and how easily we get attached to the main characters as readers, but the depiction of self harm, SA, and the ultimate message that therapy is unhelpful and some people are “too broken” to save, leaves a bad taste in my stomach. the twist being “act of god” was incredibly frustrating and, in my opinion, a cheap shot to further the suffering of the main character. ultimately, if you decide to read this book, do so with caution, and be able to think critically about the author’s views on therapy and trauma. 
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